Methodism Methodism, also called the Methodist movement, is a group of historically related denominations of Protestant Christianity whose origins, doctrine and practice derive from the life and teachings of John Wesley. George Whitefield and John's br ...

(inclusive of the

holiness movement The Holiness movement is a Christian movement that emerged chiefly within 19th-century Methodism, and to a lesser extent other traditions such as Quakerism, Anabaptism, and Restorationism. The movement is historically distinguished by its emph ...

), a tabernacle is the center of a

camp meeting The camp meeting is a form of Protestant Christian religious service originating in England and Scotland as an evangelical event in association with the communion season. It was held for worship, preaching and communion on the American frontier d ...

, where revival services occur. Tabernacles may be constructed in a

cruciform Cruciform is a term for physical manifestations resembling a common cross or Christian cross. The label can be extended to architectural shapes, biology, art, and design. Cruciform architectural plan Christian churches are commonly described ...

-shaped fashion and are most often made of wood. Like the interior of many Methodist churches, in the center of the tabernacle is an

altar An altar is a table or platform for the presentation of religious offerings, for sacrifices, or for other ritualistic purposes. Altars are found at shrines, temples, churches, and other places of worship. They are used particularly in paga ...

upon which the

Eucharist The Eucharist (; from Greek , , ), also known as Holy Communion and the Lord's Supper, is a Christian rite that is considered a sacrament in most churches, and as an ordinance in others. According to the New Testament, the rite was instit ...

is consecrated; a

pulpit A pulpit is a raised stand for preachers in a Christian church. The origin of the word is the Latin ''pulpitum'' (platform or staging). The traditional pulpit is raised well above the surrounding floor for audibility and visibility, access ...

stands near it and is used by preachers to deliver sermons. The area of the tabernacle housing the altar and pulpit is delimited by the

mourner's bench The mourners' bench, also known as the mercy seat or anxious bench, in Methodist and other evangelical Christian churches is a bench located in front of the chancel. The practice was instituted by John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist Church. ...

. Surrounding the tabernacle itself are usually several cabins and/or tents, where people stay while attending the camp meeting.

Gallery

File:Martha's Vineyard Campground Tabernacle, at the heart of the Wesleyan Grove in Oak Bluffs.png, The tabernacle of

Wesleyan Grove Wesleyan Grove is a National Historic Landmark District in Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts on the island of Martha's Vineyard. Named after John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist Church. Also known as the Martha's Vineyard Campmeeting Association (MV ...

, also known as the Martha's Vineyard Campmeeting Association File:Tabernacle of Wesleyan Methodist Campground.jpg, The tabernacle of Wesleyan Methodist Campground in

Stoneboro, Pennsylvania Stoneboro is a borough in eastern Mercer County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 946 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Youngstown–Warren metropolitan area. Geography Stoneboro is located at (41.339029, -80.108100). Accor ...

File:Ocean Grove Auditorium and Stokes Statue.jpg, The tabernacle of

Ocean Grove, New Jersey Ocean Grove is a unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) located within Neptune Township, Monmouth County, New Jersey, United States.Bethany Beach, Delaware Bethany Beach is an incorporated town in Sussex County, Delaware, United States. According to the 2010 Census Bureau figures, the population of the town is 1,060; however, during the summer months some 15,000 more populate the town as vacationer ...

File:Ocean Grove 1876.jpg, Methodists gather at the tabernacle of

Ocean Grove, New Jersey Ocean Grove is a unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) located within Neptune Township, Monmouth County, New Jersey, United States.Indian Fields Methodist Campground Indian Field Methodist Campground is a camp meeting site for the Methodism, Methodist Church in Dorchester County, South Carolina. It is on SC Route S-18-73, off US Route 15, about north of Saint George, South Carolina, Saint George. Indian Fie ...

File:Allegheny Wesleyan Methodist Camp Meeting.jpg, A

service at Wesleyan Methodist Campground in

File:PLEASANT GROVE CAMP MEETING GROUND, UNION COUNTY, NC.jpg, The tabernacle of Pleasant Grove Camp Meeting Ground File:Tabernacle of Summit Campground.jpg, The tabernacle of Summit Evangelical Wesleyan Campground in

Cooperstown, Pennsylvania Cooperstown is a borough in Venango County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 460 at the 2010 census. Geography Cooperstown is located at (41.499640, -79.873823). According to the United States Census Bureau, the borough has a tota ...

File:Tabernacle of Flatwoods Reformed Free Methodist Campground.jpg, The tabernacle of Flatwoods Reformed Free Methodist Campground in

Vanderbilt, Pennsylvania Vanderbilt is a borough in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 414 at the 2020 census, down from 476 at the 2010 census. The town is named for the railroad tycoon Cornelius Vanderbilt. It is served by the Connellsvill ...

References

{{Methodism footer * Methodism Holiness movement Christian architecture

Gallery

See also

References