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On Saturday, the city of Hogansville gathered for a heartfelt ceremony to celebrate the newly restored spire atop the historic Royal Theater, marking a special moment in the community’s ongoing revitalization.

Mayor Jake Ayers welcomed attendees, including city council members and special guests, and reflected on the importance of preserving Hogansville’s history while building its future.

The Royal Theater, which reopened in November 2024 after being closed for nearly 40 years, has long been a cherished part of the Hogansville community.

Ayers explained that while the theater’s restoration was a major accomplishment, the addition of the spire was originally a dream that kept getting pushed back due to budget constraints.

That dream became a reality thanks to the generosity of Hogansville natives Ray Coleman and Tim and Mara Morgan.

Coleman, who was asked to speak, fondly recalled attending the theater as a child and paying just 25 cents for a ticket, popcorn and soda. About half of the attendees at the ceremony could also make that same recollection.

Coleman was inspired to contribute to the spire project in memory of his late wife, Francis Otis Coleman, and to honor the generations of children who spent their Saturdays at the Royal Theater.

Coleman shared stories about his life, his connection to Hogansville and the cultural importance of the theater to the youth of Hogansville in the 1940s and 1950s. He remembered his friendship with former Mayor Bill Stankiewicz, whose wife, Mary, at one point mentioned to Coleman the need to restore the Royal Theater’s spire. Coleman emphasized that his contribution was not about taking credit but about preserving a beloved community landmark for future generations.

Ayers highlighted the significance of the multi-generational gathering and stressed the importance of community pride and continuity. “Fifty years from now, people may not remember this day, but they will remember feeling something when they drive through town and see something like the spire. Hogansville is a unique community, and we’re going to continue to do our best to honor this community for past and future generations,” Ayers said.

The event concluded with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque dedicated to Francis Otis Coleman and all the children of Hogansville who grew up with the theater as their gathering place. The plaque also recognizes the contributions of Ray Coleman and Tim and Mara Morgan, whose donations made the spire restoration possible.

The Royal Theater is located at 400 E Main St in downtown Hogansville. For movie and show times, visit https://1937royaltheater.org/