By Ralphine Major

ralphine3@yahoo.com

It is one of Knoxville’s gems.  Located on South Gay Street, the Tennessee Theater has become one of the city’s most recognized landmarks.  Walking through the doors into the lobby transports visitors to a grand, majestic place.  How fortunate we are to have in our midst such an awesome venue for movies, concerts, and other events.

I remember going there as a child to see Disney movies.  As a college student, I worked for the late Zane Daniel and John J. Duncan, Jr. in the Daniel & Duncan Law Firm.  The law office was located above the Tennessee Theater in the Burwell Building.

Many years ago, the public was given an opportunity to tour this historic building after a major renovation.  It was an awesome experience and gave great insight into the architectural design of the structure that was built in the 1920s.  I recall walking up the stairs from the lobby and turning to look back at the beautiful chandeliers.  I remember sitting in the huge theater and looking all around at how spectacular it was.  Truly a show place!  Even now, I can almost hear the crisp tones of the mighty Wurlitzer organ!

Words of Faith:  As news of the pandemic predicts the worst is yet to come for Tennessee, scripture from the book of Psalms brings inspiration.  “When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?” (Psalm 8:3-4, NIV)