Virginia Department of Historic Resources Virginia Department of Historic Resources
For additional information, read the Nomination Form PDF
VLR Listing Date 04/15/1975
NRHP Listing Date 05/21/1975
NRHP Reference Number 75002024
The Methodists were among the first and most enthusiastic supporters of revivals—special religious events frequently held outdoors and designed to renew and intensify faith. All through the 19th century, revivals grew less spontaneous and more routine and institutionalized. Erected in 1922, Mathews County’s tabernacle is one of the state’s few remaining examples of the permanent shelters required as revivals became regularly scheduled occasions. The airy structure is essentially a pavilion and preserves most of its original accoutrements, including speaker’s platform, choir tiers, and “mourners” bench. Well-maintained, the structure is still used for its original purpose. The tabernacle is built on the site of an earlier and smaller Methodist tabernacle established in 1879. During the Civil War there was a brush arbor here where ladies would gather to pray for sons and husbands in the service of the Confederacy.
Many properties listed in the registers are private dwellings and are not open to the public, however many are visible from the public right-of-way. Please be respectful of owner privacy.
Abbreviations:
VLR: Virginia Landmarks Register
NPS: National Park Service
NRHP: National Register of Historic Places
NHL: National Historic Landmark
Updated: March 18, 2021
