The auditorium was originally built in the first quarter of the 1900's when a captain, attending a revival for the purpose of heckling a local preacher, was instead converted to Christianity and moved to build a proper acoustic forum to hear his words.
The stained glass was a later addition...
...as were the balconies...
...the acoustics were widely regarded as second only to the Mormon Tabernacle, better even than Carnegie Hall.
The auditorium was managed by a woman for decades, up to and through the introduction of a rapidly growing radio program that became known as Grand Ole Opry. Until it moved out to new facilities, it became a coast-to-coast stage for the likes of everyone from Minnie Pearl to Johnny Cash.
Patsy Cline belted out "Crazy" from this stage, and Hank Williams brought the crowd to its feet for six ovations on his first visit.
Dolly Parton might have had this view (with more than one bored fan looking on from the upper balcony, most likely).
Non-singers such as Teddy Roosevelt and Bob Hope graced the stage over time. I mainly included this photo because his grin reminds me of Jack.
Renovated in 1994, the auditorium continues to host shows to this day, over 200 a year!
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