A Note from Nat Taylor, Managing Director, Moore-Morris History and Culture Center
As the managing director of the Moore-Morris History and Culture Center, one of my favorite parts of my job is working with local organizations and history enthusiasts to explore Williamson County’s rich history. A great example of an ongoing partnership is the time I’ve spent with the wonderful people at Franklin First United Methodist Church researching for our upcoming exhibit on the Franklin Holiness Tabernacle Church.
The exhibit, opening this September, will showcase what was once one of the most impressive and majestic buildings in Franklin. Located at the northeast corner of Fourth Ave. and South Margin St., the church opened in 1896 for the same purposes as the Union Gospel Tabernacle in Nashville. Holding up to 2,000 people, the Franklin Tabernacle served as a religious meeting place for interdenominational sermons, as well as a social and civic center for political rallies and school graduations. Today, we all know Nashville’s Union Gospel Tabernacle as Ryman Auditorium. Sadly, the Franklin Holiness Tabernacle was torn down in 1929.
While researching for the exhibit, I discovered that there are no known photographs that clearly depict the Tabernacle building. The structure is visible in the blurry background of only a few historical photos. As a historian, I am puzzled that we can’t find a clear photograph of this impressive building, which was the largest in town and stood in downtown Franklin for 33 years.
We’re asking for your help to find photographs of the Franklin Holiness Tabernacle Church! A picture of the building might be tucked away in a shoebox in your attic or in an old family photo album. Not only will you support our exhibit, but you’ll also add an important piece to the historical record and help uncover this lost local landmark.
The building was described as a large frame structure shaped like a cross, with a high rock foundation and a very steep roof. The main entrance faced South Margin Street, where two sets of steps led to double doors. The building had arched windows and a very tall tower, which appears in the background of the photograph below.
Please reach out to me at ntaylor@williamsonhistorycenter.org with any discoveries or research leads.