Spurgeon's Tabernacle

Category: Business

The Metropolitan Tabernacle was built for the ministry of Charles Spurgeon in 1861 and was dedicated on March 18. The church has a long history dating back to about 1650. The Tabernacle moved to this site because of its prominent location. It is also believed to be the site of the burning of the Southwark Martyrs. The Tabernacle left the Baptist Union in 1887 because of theological liberalism. The building burnt down in 1898 with only the portico and basement surviving. It burnt down again after being hit by a incendiary bomb in May 1941. The portico and basement survived again and it reopened in 1957. Worship services, Sunday School and many other activities continue to this day. The Auckland Baptist Tabernacle in New Zealand is modelled on the Metropolitan Tabernacle and was constructed when Thomas Spurgeon (a son of Charles Spurgeon) was the minister.