​Tolar Taberacle 

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Marker No: 15946

Aluminum 27 x 42 Subject Marker

Geographic: 32.387100,-97.921173

Location: 104 Donley Court, Tolar 

Marker Text: ​Tabernacles such as this one once served an important function in communities throughout Texas and the southern United States . Prior to the advent of air conditioning , a place to comfortably hold outdoor gatherings was essential during hot summer days . Tabernacles served not just as the locations for revivals and other religious meetings , but were also used for weddings , reunions , homecomings , fairs , picnics and other community events . Although simple in construction , the tabernacle was much more durable than its forerunner , the brush arbor , which required periodic rebuilding or repair. 
    The Tolar Tabernacle was constructed circa 1897 , and churches within the community contributed to the cost of the construction . While the community as a whole built and owned the tabernacle , trustees selected from local church congregations were chosen to manage the tabernacle association . In 1904, Emma D. and J. P. Broughton sold the property on which the tabernacle stood to the association for the sum of $75.00. The open air structure consists of a rafter system supported by timber posts and sawed lumber cross members . A hip roof of corrugated metal in ribbed panels shelters the site . 
 Although use of the Tolar Tabernacle has declined through the years , it is still used as the location for community fish fries , and the annual Tolar School Homecoming has been held at the site since 1954 . (2009)