Oakdale Tabernacle

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Oakdale Tabernacle One-of-a-kind, eight-sided, steel-supported Tabernacle at Oakdale Nature Preserve, Freeport, IL

09/08/2026

Check out a new learning opportunity through HCC Lifelong Learning!

Discover the story of the historic Oakdale Tabernacle, a unique northwest Illinois landmark. Originally built in 1895, the structure was rebuilt after a lightning fire in 1915. Learn how local preservation efforts are reviving the Tabernacle for events, education, and community gatherings, then enjoy a guided tour of the historic site following class.

Course instructor is Joe Kanosky:

Since Joe’s retirement as president of HCC in 2015, he has worked with a variety of community volunteer organizations. In 2020 he became one of the group-of ten known as the steering committee in the effort to save the historic Tabernacle. Joe continues to serve on the steering committee and is also the group’s treasurer.

With a strong commitment to local history and community revitalization, the Save the Tabernacle group is working to ensure that this unique local landmark is protected and reimagined as a vibrant space for future generations.

Joe will share a PowerPoint presentation covering the historical importance of the Tabernacle and cover renovations to date as well as plans for work still to be done.

Register here:

https://site.corsizio.com/event/6a173b56ab66dc3004c43c1a

09/04/2026

The features that define whether or not a space is accessible have long gone unreported. Together, we can change that. You can help us chronicle the accessibility features of outdoor spaces by submitting birdability site review.

08/06/2026

Join us as young nature lovers discover how animals prepare for winter by sleeping, slowing down, and staying safe through the cold months.

Through hands-on exploration and a fun take-home craft, kids will learn about the amazing ways wildlife survives the winter while enjoying the outdoors.

Come explore, create, and discover with us!
Register by calling 815-235-6114 or online: https://bit.ly/4udNUV3

07/29/2026

This week, we're celebrating The Power of Nature as part of National Park and Recreation Month. From Krape Park and Oakdale Nature Preserve to the Wetlands Nature Preserve and neighborhood parks, these special places enrich our community in countless ways.

Walk a trail. Pack a picnic. Paddle Yellow Creek. Cast a fishing line. Or simply enjoy a quiet moment beneath the trees. Nature has a way of helping us slow down, recharge, and reconnect—with the outdoors and with each other.

After the church service a woman from Polo came up and showed this picture to us. She also had several with people in th...
06/02/2026

After the church service a woman from Polo came up and showed this picture to us. She also had several with people in them but this is the first picture we've ever seen that was taken during the construction of the current Tabernacle.

It was taken in 1915 after the original wooden Tabernacle burned. This scan has not been restored but we just couldn't wait to show everyone. Hope you enjoy it as much as we did.

After some restoration work is done, we will be sure to put this picture on our website.

06/01/2026

Check back later tonight. We have a wonderful surprise to show you

What a beautiful day for a truly special event at the Tabernacle WE saved!The improvements made this spring—including ne...
06/01/2026

What a beautiful day for a truly special event at the Tabernacle WE saved!

The improvements made this spring—including new concrete and energy-efficient LED lighting—helped make it a picture-perfect day. On Pentecost Sunday, 16 United Methodist churches from across Northwest Illinois came together for a united worship service celebrating faith, fellowship, and community.

More than 300 people attended, filling the Tabernacle with joyful voices and warm fellowship. The acoustics were outstanding, creating a wonderful worship experience for everyone present.

Seeing this historic gathering place filled once again with people, music, and worship was a powerful reminder of why preserving the Tabernacle mattered. Thank you to everyone who helped make this day possible. The future of the Tabernacle is bright, and yesterday was proof of what can happen when a community comes together.

While there is still work to do....The Tabernacle is alive and well—and ready for many more memorable gatherings to come.

We did it.....actually all of the Tabernacle supporters, their donations and Faulkner Construction made this happen! The...
06/01/2026

We did it.....actually all of the Tabernacle supporters, their donations and Faulkner Construction made this happen! They started mid May, this year and we are thrilled with the results.
It took 16 yards of gravel and 38 yards of concrete.

02/17/2026

Friends of the Pecatonica River Foundation is seeking new board members! The mission of Friends of the Pec is to preserve, protect, and foster the vitality of the Pecatonica River within its watershed in Stephenson County. They seek new board members who can take the organization's work well into future.

If you have questions or are interested in getting involved, visit their website at www.pecriver.org and send them a message, or email them at [email protected]. Or contact us at The Foundation and we'll be happy to make a connection for you.

Address

4433 S Cranes Grove Rd
Freeport, IL
61032

Telephone

+18156560513

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