Messiah’s Mansion to appear in east Texas

The Messiah’s Mansion will offer free tours of a full-scale model of the Mosaic Sanctuary for its 200th Exhibit on Nov. 5-13 from 1pm-7pm. You can tour the tabernacle at Cross Threads Thrift Store at 213 West Broadway in Jefferson Nov 5-13, from 1pm-7pm. Walk-ins are welcome, but you can book a tour online–all for free– at messiahsmansion.com/jefferson. The daily tours will last 75 minutes each and a new tour will start every 15 minutes, according to their Website.

“The 200th exhibit of Messiah’s Mansion breaks early online booking records,” Sandra Keller, representative, said in a release. Jefferson Central Church is the organizing host church, she said, adding that “several churches in the Northeast Texas area have joined together to bring the 200th exhibit to Jefferson.”

Tours will be conducted in both English and Spanish, she said. “Messiah’s Mansion is a traveling exhibit offering free tours of a full-scale model of Moses’ Sanctuary, bringing to life each element in the sanctuary which had a deep significance to the Hebrew people,” Keller said. “The entire purpose is centered around one main theme–the Gospel in symbols.”

The tours are handicap accessible, with restroom and cart assistance available.

Keller said the tour will consist of five stations: The Hebrew Tabernacle, gaining a structural overview for the intricate and purposeful design; Courtyard, where guides will explain the humbling symbolism of the Altar of Sacrifice and the Laver; Holy Place, with significance of it’s three distinctive elements, including Table of Shewbread, Candelabra, and Altar of Incense; Ark of the Covenant, which is the only article in the Most Holy Place and most important element of the Tabernacle; and the High Priest’s special garment, where your family can learn how it affected the history of the Hebrews.

Messiah’s Mansion Website states: “Messiah’s Mansion has been touring since 2003, operated by Oklahoma Academy in Harrah, OK. These high school students, along with many dedicated volunteers, have brought this traveling life-sized replica to 15 states, as well as Canada and Jamaica.

No matter where the Messiah’s Mansion Tabernacle goes, it has generated interest from schools, churches, families, and local history buffs. It is an unforgettable learning opportunity.” Keller said the vision to bring Messiah’s Mansion to Jefferson began after church members toured the exhibit in Tyler, TX–nearly 20 years ago.

“Since the required exhibit space, plus parking was so great, the need for a good location was an obstacle for many years,” Keller said. “This was only because God still had another piece of the plan that was yet to be put in place, Cross Threads Thrift Store.”

“Faith played a major role in the vision and creation of Cross Threads as God called several people to form this non-profit to encourage church members to leave the pews and serve the community,” she added.

Keller said this was taken as a realization of the critical fulfilment of the vision to bring the exhibit to Jefferson–Cross Threads has nearly four fenced acres, plenty of space for the event.

Carolyn anad Clayton Leinneweber created the exhibit based on instructions recorded in the book of Exodus.

Carolyn said God has a plan and it’s the symbols in the sanctuary showing that plan to redeem people so they can “live forever with Him.”

“When you start plugging in the symbols and what they actually mean, you get the big picture of what this plan is and how God is going to redeem man to live with Him in heaven,” she added.

Messiah’s Mansion has had exhibits set up in 36 states, including Alaska and Hawaii; And five other countries, including Jamaica and Ghana, Africa. Keller said the mobile exhibit averages 8-12 per year and Jefferson is the final exhibit for 2022. Assembling the exhibit takes 500-700 hours over a 2-3 day period.

Jefferson Central Church is located at 604 N. Walnut in Jefferson and is hosting the event with support of Jefferson Academy Church, Jefferson Christian Academy, Marshal English and Spanish Churches, Longview English and Spanish churches, Henderson English and Spanish churches and Cross Threads Thrift Store.

The thrift store is where the exhibit will be set up, at 213 W. Broadway (Jefferson).

Those looking to bring Messiah’s Mansion to their area can call 405-501-0636 or email messiahsmansion@hotmail.com.