![]() ![]() I'm looking forward to seeing at least part of it restored. It always seemed like a cathedral to me! How ridiculous that it was removed. I was into electronics and sometimes operated the PA system and remember all the tall skinny speakers on the columns. I remember attending services at the Baptist Tabarnacle as a boy. I came to live in Swindon in 1969 I think, aged 9, with my RAF father. The Revs John and Ruth Matthews were the ministers then. I witnessed a baptism there which was very moving. I attended the Tabernacle in the early 70's and remember the beautiful blue ceiling. ![]() If this facade is used without removing the inscriptions refering to the Baptist Tabernacle this could result in a Court Case Swindon has never been good at preserving its heritage. Sadly other significant buildings, such as the Corn Exchange in Old Town, are now under threat. This was a wonderful building, which should never have been demolished. There were lots of shops and a cinema around the Town Hall but then Regent Street was pedestrianised, the Parade was built and, later on, the Brunel Centre, and Regent Circus was slowly taken over by the building societies and estate agents. When I was small Regent Circus was the bus 'hub' of Swindon, as most of the Corporation bus routes, as well as the green Bristol buses, ran from there. I believe they are still using it as offices. The red brick house across the road, between the tobacconist and the Rifleman's Hotel, was owned by a cousin of my father until it was compulsorily purchased by the council around 1960. The children would all leave part way through the service and go to 'Sunday school' in the rooms behind the main church. ![]() I attended the Sunday morning service at the 'Tab' quite regularly from the late fifties until about 1967. ĭoes anyone know if the tabernacles history has ever been written? I am really pleased to read that the facade of TheTabernacle is to be restored to the people of Swindon, it was a sin that it was ever removed standing as a Temple over the Centotaph, another sin was the removal of TheToc H building at the entrance to the lawns, it was the most beautiful building and setting in Old Swindon. Atend church, or leave the church.In my opinion Dad did the correct thing and stayed home with Mother.Thank goodness a little enlightment has set in.When did the town library cease to to be? How about the Cinema? When did that go?Too much nostalga. This led to an ultimatum with the Church authorities. Unfortunately with Mother's illness Dad chose to stay home and spend time and care for her. I was sad to see such a structure was in the choir of St Mary's Rodbourne Cheney and we attended a recording of Songs of Praise at the Tabernacle, it must of been in the early sixties, I stayed away from Even Song when The BBC showed it on TV.Church attendance was poor that evening in the Swindon area. I remember it well and I believe I was one of the last people to marry there in 1975. ![]()
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