The Shadow
CLIFTON FORGE, Va. (VR) — The Historic Masonic Theatre has long been known as the heart of the
Alleghany Highlands community—a place where music fills the air, stories are shared, and
generations gather under one grand roof. Now, nearly a decade after its remarkable 2016
restoration, the Theatre is launching a new chapter in its story: a three-year, $1.2 million capital
campaign called Opening Doors.
“Opening Doors can be interpreted in so many meaningful ways,” said Bruce Loving, president
of The Masonic Theatre Preservation Foundation Board. “It’s about keeping our doors open to
the community. It’s about restoring the historic doors that have welcomed guests for 120 years.
And it’s about opening doors to new opportunities—for education, engagement, and
entertainment.”
Those three words—educate, engage, entertain—have become the Theatre’s guiding
principles, shaping everything from musical performances and children’s theatre to community
celebrations, workshops and public forums.
After a $6.9 million restoration completed in 2016, The Historic Masonic Theatre once again
became a beacon of creativity and pride in the Alleghany Highlands. Its ornate 1905
architecture was lovingly brought back to life by countless volunteers, donors, and dreamers
who believed in its future.
Now, nearly ten years later, that same spirit of community renewal is at the heart of Opening
Doors. Quietly launched in January 2025, the campaign is already nearing its first-year
fundraising goal of $400,000—an encouraging sign of how deeply the Theatre is valued.
Every day, the Theatre serves as a space where laughter, learning, and live performance bring
people together. But preserving a 120-year-old building is no small task—it costs nearly $1,000
a day to maintain this treasured landmark.
“This Theatre isn’t just a building,” said Loving. “It’s a gathering place, a living link to our past,
and a symbol of what we can achieve together. Opening Doors is our way of ensuring that
future generations can continue to walk through these doors and feel the same sense of
wonder and belonging.”
Community members are invited to be part of the Theatre’s future by contributing to the
Opening Doors campaign. Donations can be made through the Theatre’s website at
www.historicmasonictheatre DONATE page or by scanning the QR code available at
performances and events.
“Every gift—large or small—helps keep our doors open,” said Loving. “Together, we’re not just
preserving a building—we’re sustaining a place where memories are made and where our
community continues to shine.”
Built in 1905 and fully restored in 2016, The Historic Masonic Theatre in Clifton Forge, Virginia,
is one of the oldest operating theatres in Virginia. Today, it stands as a vibrant center for the
arts, offering live performances, educational programming, films, and community events that
celebrate the region’s rich heritage and creative spirit.
For more information or to make a donation, visit www.historicmasonictheatre or call 540 862-5655
