A House of History
“Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before unknown men” – Prov. 22:29
“Every happening, great and small, is a parable whereby God speaks to us, and the art of life is to get the message” – Malcolm Muggeridge
Samuel P. Jones (October 16, 1847 – October 15, 1906) was one of the most celebrated revivalists of his day, at the close of the 19th century. Famous for his wry wit and masterful story-telling, he is credited as a principal influence on Will Rogers. Jones is particularly connected with the history of The Union Gospel Tabernacle, later named Ryman Auditorium. Riverboat captain, Thomas Green Ryman, was converted after hearing Jones on May 10, 1885 at a meeting which he and friends attended with the intention of heckling the preacher. Ryman decided on that day to build a tabernacle in which to hold revival meetings in Nashville, Tennessee, the Ryman Auditorium first opened its doors in 1892. The Ryman became the home of Trevecca Nazarene University from 1911 to 1914. Later the building became home to the Grand Ole Opry from 1943 to 1974 finding its identity as the Mother Church of Country Music. In 1974, the Opry moved to its current home by the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center and left the Ryman vacant. It was not until twenty years later in 1994 that the Ryman was restored to be the national showplace that it is today. Much of the credit belongs to Emmylou Harris and her band the Nash Ramblers performing a series of concerts there (the results of which appeared on her album At the Ryman) and renewing interest in restoring the Ryman. Musicians ranging from Roy Acuff to James Brown and Patsy Cline to Sheryl Crow have performed on the Ryman stage, making it a historical as well as a current-day icon for people everywhere. We are in the process of filming “A Celtic Christmas at the Ryman” for a PBS Christmas special this year, the old house continues to leave it’s mark, wonder if Thomas Ryman had any idea……………..