Biblical Tabernacle
As someone who has a German background, hard-working but fiercely independent, I often long to be part of a family that has a strong sense of collectivism, culture, and traditions. I have a fascination with the Jewish culture that puts a lot of emphasis on family and symbolism, passing on a heritage to the next generation. This interest led me to consider taking our family to the accurately-scaled Biblical Tabernacle replica right here in Lancaster County in the heart of the tourism district near Tanger outlets. My husband has taught an Old Testament class for many years so we welcome an opportunity to experience the Bible in a more visual way.
You may find it odd that this place exists right in the middle of the shopping and tourism mecca of Lancaster but when you consider the rich Mennonite heritage of the county, it ties in nicely. In addition, it is connected to a small Mennonite heritage museum you can tour as part of your visit. Originally created in the 1940’s in Florida by a Baptist minister, it was later purchased by Mennonites and brought to its current location.
Upon arriving, visitors will enter through the small gift shop with many interesting tabernacle-related memorabilia on display along with a sampling of Ten Thousand village merchandise. After paying for your tour, you will be escorted to a small room with benches and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a courtyard that replicates the outer court of the tabernacle. A tour guide spends about 20 minutes giving you a quick Old Testament survey leading up to the creation of the tabernacle and then explains what you are looking at through the window. Afterwards, the door to the “inner court” opens and everyone files in to benches that line the room, which has a traditional church ambience complete with vaulted ceiling. The replica gives you a contextualization of the Holy Place, complete with a full-sized wax figure representing the high priest who performs his duties at the Altar of Incense. Well-versed in the biblical story, the tour guide explains the significance of each item seen in a lively and compelling way. You are also given the opportunity to peer into the “Holy of Holies” located behind the inner court. The tour ends with a Q & A session, and after you are free to explore the museum and gift shop.
We brought all of our children and there were other families with small children in attendance, but it is a church-like atmosphere so keep in mind they will have to sit reasonably still and not touch things for 45 minutes. We found it very fascinating though and the time seemed to fly by. Our children behaved for the most part and seemed to enjoy learning. Visitors of all faiths and cultural backgrounds can learn something and this has become a popular attraction in Lancaster County for good reason. On its own for a quick trip, or in combination with other popular Lancaster attractions nearby, the Biblical Tabernacle is a wonderful destination choice for families!
Hours: April to October has expanded hours; M-Sat. 9am-4pm with tours every hour on the hour. (Check website for off season hours)
Admission: Adults $8.50, Children (6-16 years) $6, Children (5 and under) FREE, group rates available
Mennonite Information Center/Biblical Tabernacle 2209 Millstream Road
Lancaster, PA 17602
(717) 299-0954
See www.mennoniteinfoctr.org for more information!