Tabernacle 1921

Description:	Script beneath image reads, Aug. 1921. Winona Tabernacle. This is a as built photograph of the south side of the Billy Sunday Tabernacle. The roof top ventilation system is shown along with the rolled asphalt shingle roof. The lovely windows would be replaced later with additional ventilation devices.The Billy Sunday Tabernacle was the largest venue in Winona Lake. Most estimates say that it could accommodate 7,500 people. The Tabernacle was built on the site of the former tennis courts. J. Earl Henry of the Louisville, Kentucky architectural firm of Nevin and Henry designed the structure. The estimated construction cost was $70,000. When the fund raising stalled Billy Sunday raised money at his campaign stops specifically asking for money for “the work at Winona”. The site was excavated to provide a natural slope towards the east. The building has steel supporting pillars, the side walls were made from rectangular clay tiles and had horizontal door like structures that could be propped open for ventilation. The asphalt shingled roof featured large louvers that had to be opened manually and propped open. The floor was covered with sawdust and the benches were made from unpainted local lumber. When it rained hard the inside noise was deafening. The large platform could accommodate a large choir. Billy Sunday spoke at the first service on August 7, 1920. WMBI, the Moody Bible Institute Radio station had a broadcast booth on the north side of the platform and broadcast live services to Chicago. The Chautauqua acts and the Bible Conference speakers would read like a who’s who and require a book to list and describe. The building was demolished in 1992.
Origin:	1921-08-??
Source:	http://palni.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/p15705coll8/id/750
Collection:	Grace College - Winona Lake Postcards
Copyright:	Contact Morgan Library, Winona Lake, IN for copy and usage permissions
Geography:	Winona Lake (Ind.)
Subjects:	Tabernacle

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