History

In 1903 noted Loudoun County builder, Arch Simpson and his crew,
designed and constructed the building which is now the Purcellville Roller Rink. Originally, the building was built as an auditorium for the Prohibition and Evangelical Association of Loudoun County's annual "Bush Meeting," held each summer since the Centennial year – 1876, as was named"The Tabernacle."



The Bush Meeting acquired its name from the initial meeting place, held under a brush arbor (bush meeting) near Lincoln, Virginia. In 1877, the meeting moved to the Tabernacle's current location, then known as Dillon's Woods. Dorms, tents and concessions lined the grounds. By the 1890's Bush Meeting lasted a week and was held in an 80 by 120-foot oval tent. The fee for the event was 5 cents. Arch Simpson's Tabernacle was ready for the annual Bush Meeting that took place in 1904. It could hold up to 3,000 people and cost $2,500 to build. Admission increased to 10 cents.

The Tabernacle hosted Loudoun's firs 4-H Fair in 1955 and in 1939 became a Roller Skating Rink. In the 40s and 50s wresting matches were held and county singers, most notably Patsy Cline, performed there.