Visit
3rd St &, Glossbrenner AveMt Gretna, PA 17064Gathering: Sunday 10 a.m. (Morning Worship Services)
When to go
Worship and gatherings
- Sunday10 a.m. · Morning Worship Services
- Saturday7 p.m. · Handbell Festival
- Sunday7 p.m. · Mennonite Children's Choir
- Friday7 p.m. · Rick Rowe - Big Choir
- Sunday7 p.m. · Andy Roberts with the Four Piece Quartet
- Friday7 p.m. · Contemporary Worship & Praise
- Sunday7 p.m. · Annual Hymn Sing
- Friday7 p.m. · Ryan & Friends
- Sunday7 p.m. · Eddie Zheng, Organist
- Sunday7 p.m. · Patriotic Concert
- Sunday7 p.m. · Third Stream
- Sunday7 p.m. · Jess Zimmerman and Family
- Sunday7 p.m. · Choir Festival
- Sunday7 p.m. · Lancaster British Brass Band
- Sunday7 p.m. · Jazz Ministers Big Band
- Sunday7 p.m. · Anthracite Marimba Ensemble
- Sunday7 p.m. · Susquehanna Chorale
- Sunday7 p.m. · New Holland Band
About
Summary
The Mt. Gretna Tabernacle is a historic outdoor venue in Pennsylvania, known for its summer Bible Festival and worship services. Hosted by the Mt. Gretna United Methodist Church, it offers a wide range of musical and spiritual events, including concerts, choirs, and community gatherings. The Tabernacle is a beloved landmark, offering a unique blend of Christian testimony and cultural programming in a picturesque setting.
Details
The Mt. Gretna Tabernacle is a historic outdoor pavilion located in Mount Gretna, Pennsylvania. Originally established in 1892, it serves as a venue for the annual Bible Festival and a variety of spiritual and musical events throughout the summer. The Tabernacle is managed by the Mt. Gretna United Methodist Church and is led by Pastor Andrea Haldeman, who oversees Sunday morning worship services from June through August.
The Tabernacle is known for its diverse programming, including handbell festivals, choral performances, jazz and brass ensembles, and community choir events. These programs are often led by local and regional Christian musicians and are open to the public with a freewill offering. The venue also hosts summer organ concerts at the Mt. Gretna United Methodist Church, featuring talented organists from across the country.
The Tabernacle's unique setting, with its open-air pavilion and historic architecture, makes it a popular destination for both religious and cultural events. Visitors often praise the venue for its beauty, atmosphere, and the quality of its programming. The Tabernacle is accessible via parking at the Mt. Gretna Fire Co., Mt. Gretna United Methodist Church, and the Mt. Gretna Roller Rink (on designated dates).
Newcomers are warmly welcomed, and the Tabernacle encourages community involvement through its events and outreach programs. The venue is also used for special events like the annual Handbell Festival, which draws performers and attendees from across the region.
From Faith Near Me
Mount Gretna Tabernacle offers a historic, open-air setting for spiritual and cultural gatherings in Pennsylvania’s scenic Mt. Gretna. A first-time visitor would notice welcoming community events, diverse musical programming, and a blend of Christian worship with accessible, donation-based concerts. The Tabernacle’s covered pavilion and picturesque location create a unique atmosphere for both faith and performance.
Pros
- Historic outdoor pavilion with covered seating for events
- Diverse summer programming including handbell festivals, choral performances, and organ concerts
- Clear posted worship and event times from June through August
- Welcoming atmosphere for newcomers and community participation
- Free events with freewill offerings, emphasizing accessibility
- Part of the Mt. Gretna United Methodist Church with pastoral leadership
Cons
- Parking requires navigation through tight corners and a short walk (150 feet) from lots
- Limited accessibility for those with mobility challenges due to outdoor setting
- Event dates are seasonal and annual (primarily summer-focused)
Reviews from around the web
Public comments we collected from listing sources. Not written on Faith Near Me.
- Erica3 years ago
We're here nearly every summer for the massed hand bell ring at the tabernacle. Usually the 1st Saturday in August. We perform in this event. Beautiful location and great hospitality from the United Methodist Church here who provides us with lunch and supper during our all day rehearsal. Photos from inside the tabernacle with the Bells set up on the stage. Also one of the butterflies that visited while we were having a lunch break.
- 11longstreet7 years ago
A very pleasant venue for an outdoor concert. Plenty of seating-nice atmosphere. Parking/navigation can be a little challenging. Mt. Gretna is definitely the land of tight corners. Overall though, it made for a lovely evening.
- Cindy Harper2 years ago
We have been to two Sunday nights so far. The double harp concert was very enjoyable. Last night was the first time the Wheaton Chorale had been there, and they were very good. We love the variety in their schedule. It is also fun to sing in the mass choir each year. This is a one-of-a-kind venue. It is an open pavilion that is covered. The religious aspects of this venue are very respectable to different religions.
- Sharla Halteman6 years ago
Visit Mt Gretnas summer itinerary to find out which Saturday in August the handbells will ring. The most lovely summer evening you could ever have in this adorable little village.
- Susan Stirling2 years ago
Historic. Quaint. Must park the vehicle and walk about 150 feet to the Tabernacle.
- Meredith S2 years ago
Attended last season's Mass choir festival and absolutely loved it, I'm sorry I will miss it this year. I must say it is pretty rough walking experience (especially in the rain) but take easy, and wear walking shoes! The reward is great!! Hearing the music is amazing. I hope to go back 2024 summer season.
- Susan Landis3 years ago
What a spectacular location. It seems like another place in another time. Open air pavilion. Historical landmark and home of Methodist church in the summer as well as musical shows that are free! Pay donations. We are renting a cabin close by and already heard a Celtic folk concert and “movie music” it was nice to here church from a nearby bench with my dog today. This seemed so magical as @Morning has Broken” was being sung😊
- Scott Ney2 years ago
My family and I attended a wonderful performance of the Perseverance Band there.
- David Amistadi7 years ago
This covered outdoor meeting and concert pavilion is a hidden gem in the woods of a quiet little vacation hamlet. The town is well worth exploring and is known for it's summer vacation bungalows cleverly decorated by their owners. The summer arts festivals are great and are attended by many artists offering their crafts. A beautiful lake and swim area along with great restaurants will bring you back.
- Robert Higbee6 years ago
Great historic wood roofed outdoor venue deep within the Mount Gretna community. A billion years ago, I attended a kids summer church camp just east of this and the counselors took us over to this Tabernacle for a vespers service each night (alas, the church camp is long gone (long live Otterbein lodge!)). I've been to many religious themed musical events here throughout the years. I love the ancient timber support beams and sweeping arched truss beam supported ceiling. Those elders sure knew their engineering! Half the reason I come here is to walk the narrow wood lined streets filled with antique wood frame homes all with cozy wrap-around porches. Such homes overlook the Tabernacle. Truly a place out of time. The picture I attached was snapped on my walk to the Tabernacle, it evokes the feel of this neighborhood.
Services and facilities
Services
- Handbell Festival
- Choir Performances
- Organ Concerts
- Jazz And Brass Ensembles
- Community Choir Events
- Worship Services
- Contemporary Worship & Praise
Facilities
- Outdoor Tabernacle
- Covered Pavilion
- Handicapped Parking
- Parking At Mt. Gretna Fire Co.
- Parking At Mt. Gretna United Methodist Church
- Roller Rink Parking (On Designated Dates)
- Challenging Parking With Tight Corners
- Short Walk From Parking (Approx. 150 Feet)
Events and programs
Handbell Festival
Annual, usually on the first Saturday in August
A festival featuring local and regional handbell ringers, usually held in August.
Connect
- Contact page
- Open contact page