Tabernacle 1953

Description:	Front: Script along bottom of postcard reads, Billy Sunday Tabernacle - Winona Lake, Ind.Back: Dated, 2/26/53. Body of message reads, Dear Children, We are getting along very nicely on our trip. Stayed at Bro and Sis Bouglass home in Winona Lake last nite. We are on our way to Detroit. Thought we would go into Toronto and see Clare and Mildred so long as we are so near, if the weather stays nice. Likely will be home Monday or Tuesday depending on the weather. Likely will not be mailing any more cards. Trust you are all well and getting along alright. Love and prayers, Daddy and Mother. Addressed to, Mr. George Caster, Pulaski, N.Y., R.R. 4. The Korean War was in progress when this postcard of the Billy Sunday tabernacle was sent.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:	1953-02-26
Created By:	Christian Cards Co., Winona Lake, Indiana
Source:	http://palni.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/p15705coll8/id/753
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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