Weldon’s Auditorium History

In 1954, the auditorium and stage were built to showcase MHS’s graduations, beauty pageants, talent shows, band concerts, school assemblies, and community events. 

More than 70 years ago, Manning High School built an auditorium and stage to showcase the school’s graduations, beauty pageants, talent shows, band concerts, school assemblies, and community events.

In 1967, the auditorium was named Weldon Auditorium in memory of William Heathley Weldon, a former superintendent of Manning public schools.

For the next 20 years, MHS auditorium served thousands of students, teachers, administrators, and members of the community.

In 1984, a devastating fire destroyed the auditorium’s adjacent classroom facility, but that didn’t stop the school district or the community from holding a variety of productions and performances in the auditorium. For more than a decade, the auditorium continued to be used. However, over the years, fewer and fewer events were held at the facility and what was once a shining star fell into disrepair.

In 2004, the community launched a plan to return the once grand auditorium to its former glory. Four years later, a groundbreaking ceremony marked the beginning of a multi-million dollar renovation and expansion project. On Dec. 3, 2010, a gala reception was held to unveil the new additions and the renovations to Weldon Auditorium, the cornerstone of the new Clarendon County Community Complex.

The Clarendon County Community Complex is comprised of Weldon Auditorium with its Grand Atrium, Loggia, and Art Corridor; the Clarendon County Community Center with its regulation-sized basketball court, bleachers and dressing rooms along with adjacent classrooms; and the Breedin Garden Room, a catering venue with an adjoining commercial kitchen. While Weldon Auditorium and the Clarendon County Community Center are part of the Clarendon County Recreation Department, the Breedin Garden Room is part of the Clarendon County Disabilities and Special Needs Board.

Keeping Weldon’s original architecture in mind, the design of the auditorium renovations and its additions reflected the architecture, style, and colors of the mid-1950s.

The Grand Atrium’s spectacular 3000-plus sq. ft. addition welcomes visitors to Weldon Auditorium.

During the renovations, a Loggia was added along the northern side of the facility and serves as home to the Clarendon County Athletic Hall of Fame. The Loggia also houses the Art Gallery where world renowned artists as well as numerous local, state, and regional artists and artisans have displayed their works.

The Loggia is a wonderful area to host intimate receptions and parties as well as book signings.

Weldon Auditorium, the “Hub of the Community,” is a welcoming venue where residents and visitors can enjoy the arts from the comfort of a beautiful and timeless facility that has been lovingly restored.

Stop in. Enjoy an event. Walk through the auditorium. Take a stroll down the Loggia and remember the athletes who adorn the Hall of Fame. Visit the Art Gallery.

“The Hub of the Community,” Weldon Auditorium is a venue that you’ll enjoy visiting time and time again with your family, friends and folks simply passing through our small, quaint community.