In
1889, a new building was erected on the northeast corner of 11th and
Meridian (left). The ensuing years were marked by a fervor
for evangelism and outreach, including more church plants throughout
the
city, the
formation
of a boarding school for girls called Tudor Hall, now known as Park
Tudor school, and participation in overseas missions.
While
calling on families in the early 1920s, on the fast-growing
north side Indianapolis, Dr. J. Ambrose Dunkel saw a need for a Sunday
School
in that part of the city. So, the church purchased land at
34th and Central. The Sunday School was so successful,
it was decided to relocate the church and build the Gothic structure (right,
in 1921) that has ever since been home to Tabernacle Presbyterian Church.
The cause of Christ has always been the foundation for the activities,
missions and programs of Tab. The 1920s and '30s saw the formation
of the Recreation department, starting with 12 boys playing basketball in
the church coal bin; the first Vacation Bible Schools; and women of the
congregation helping to pay for the church mortgage by selling peanuts
and fried doughnuts.
The growing congregation, with Dr. Roy Ewing Vale as pastor, saw the
addition of Ministers to Youth, a Director of Christian Education and
office secretaries-all serving a congregation that supported the cause
during World War II; and overseeing church growth brought on by the increase
of families during the post-war baby boom.