Crystal Springs in Copiah County, Mississippi — The American South (East South Central)
Chautauqua Tabernacle
The original amphitheater constructed of terraced ground and covered with sawdust sloping downward to the covered tabernacle was originally constructed in 1872 when the Brookhaven District of the United Methodist Church founded Hennington Campground.
Twenty years later in 1892, a Chautauqua Assembly was incorporated on the 74-acre site and remained active until 1917. The Chautauqua movement established in the late nineteenth century on Lake Chautauqua in Western New York brought entertainment and culture to rural America prior to the advent of radio and other forms of entertainment. The Chautauqua Tabernacle hosted numerous preachers, speakers, teachers musicians entertainers and specialists of the day. At this Chautauqua Tabernacle, the first Parent Teachers Association was formed in 1909.
Over the years, the Chautauqua Tabernacle along with other structures in the park have seen changes. In the 1930's, a Works Progress Administration team constructed the stone fences and surrounding walls throughout the park, connected the amphitheater, and performed other improvements including work on the lake's spillway. More recently, a visiting AmeriCorps team and our local Job Corps Center completed additional upgrades and restoration projects.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Entertainment • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1872.
Location. 31° 59.973′ N, 90° 21.813′ W. Marker is in Crystal Springs, Mississippi, in Copiah County. Marker is on Chautauqua Drive, half a mile west of U.S. 51, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Crystal Springs MS 39059, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 10 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. P.T.A. Birthplace (within shouting distance of this marker); Spring House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Chautauqua Buildings (about 300 feet away); Crystal Springs (approx. 0.9 miles away); Tommy Johnson (approx. 0.9 miles away); Bus-Train Collision of 1942 (approx. 0.9 miles away); Terry (approx. 7.8 miles away); Robert Johnson (approx. 9.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Crystal Springs.
More about this marker. Located in the Chautauqua Park.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 1, 2021. It was originally submitted on October 1, 2021, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 186 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 1, 2021, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana.