History of the Bush Tabernacle

Constructed by local builder Arch Simpson, the 8,500-square-foot building was originally built to house the “Bush Meetings” that were conducted by the Prohibition and Evangelical Association of Loudoun County, Virginia. Measuring roughly 80 x 160 feet, the distinctive eight-sided, frame building was also used for a variety of community gatherings and recreational activities.

Purcellville’s first “temperance” picnic was held in June 1877 by the Good Templars of Loudoun County. The annual bush meetings began the following year in 1878 and every August an annual gathering of speakers, entertainers and evangelists would draw thousands of people. These sessions took place under a tent until participants erected the wooden structure that later became a skating rink.

The Depression brought an end to the Purcellville bush meetings, though an evangelical meeting was held in the Purcellville Town Hall in 1930. The next year, a group of churchmen brought the famous ex-baseball player and evangelist, Billy Sunday, to the auditorium for a series of sermons.

Read more about the history of the Bush Tabernacle: http://www.novahistory.org/Purcellville_Rink/Purcellville_Roller_Rink.html

When constructed, the Tabernacle building was said to have the capacity for 3,000 people. In 1939, the building was converted into a roller skating rink. In the mid- to late-1940s, the building and ground were acquired by the Purcellville Fire Department. In 2008, the Town of Purcellville purchased the grounds and the tabernacle building from the Purcellville Fire Department. After a major renovation, the building continues to serve the community of western Loudoun as a favorite gathering place.

The Town of Purcellville is pleased to be partnering with Shaun Alexander Enterprises manage and operate the Bush Tabernacle. 

For information about Bush Tabernacle, visit www.BushTabernacle.com.

For information about Fireman's Field, contact the Town of Purcellville Parks and Recreation Division Manager, Amie Ware via the contact form.

Fireman’s Field park, including the Historic Bush Tabernacle, is owned by the Town of Purcellville. The Town worked with the previous owner, the Purcellville Volunteer Fire Company, to place a permanent conservation easement on the 13-acre property through the state Department of Historic Resources, a crucial step that will protect the property in perpetuity.

 Constructed in 1903 to host the annual “bush meeting” of the Prohibition and Evangelical Association of Loudoun County, the Tabernacle is one of only three such bush meeting structures remaining in the Commonwealth. A major renovation by the Town in 2009 included several green, environmental design elements such as an innovative geothermal HVAC system, metal roof with recycled materials, LED and high-efficiency lights that use less electricity, added insulation to lower the HVAC demand, and water conserving fixtures. These green features along with the repairs and alternations will contribute to the successful operation of the Tabernacle for many years to come.

Learn more about Fireman's Field and the Bush Tabernacle:
Fireman's Field - Fact Sheet
Fireman's Field - Map

Information containing great historic facts and photos:
Northern Virginia History