In January of 1928, a barn stood at what is now 244 St Andrew St in Fergus.Six months later on Tuesday, August 28, the head of MGM, Louis B. Mayer, sent a telegram to Sam Fardella in Fergus. It was a wish for great success for the modern movie theatre which had replaced the barn..
Dr. Abraham Groves speaking at the opening of the theatre said “We owe a debt of gratitude to Mr. Fardella for the public spirit he has shown, and I know that we all trust and hope that the future will bear for the Grand Theatre a most satisfactory, happy, and gratifying return.” and added as long as Mr. Fardella brought good pictures to his theatre, it would exert an influence for good in the community.
Cable television pioneer Jake Milligan bought the building in the 1960s. The theatre became the home of local cable studio, and the front of the building was used as an electronics shop. In 1968, the theatre portion of the building was restored and began to show live performances. Elora Community Theatre, which continues to present plays at FGT was one of the first to use the theatre space.
Hugh and Lorraine Drew-Brook of Salem bought the building after the cable company moved to a new location. The building was renamed Theatre On The Grand with a view to preserving it as a community performing arts facility., The company closed its doors, after a dozen seasons.
In the summer of 2003 the Township of Centre Wellington became owner and operator and reinstated its original name Fergus Grand Theatre. In 2009 the Township started a refurbishing of the theatre. It has been given a new lease on life with new seats, a new heating and cooling system, a new roof and a total update to the lighting and sound systems. A large screen and rear projection system was also installed and is a nod to the buildings original purpose. The building was awarded it ‘Heritage Building’ designation in 2011 This will protect the original tin ceiling in the theatre proper, the terrazzo floors, the five leaded glass transom windows and the stone exterior. The theatre is now poised to become a leader in the arts community of Centre Wellington and the surrounding area. This refurbish will allow the theatre to become a perfect venue for a variety of arts and culture events. The Township’s foresight will allow community groups to continue to use the space but also to become a meeting place, a presentation space, and a live music venue.
A truly unique venue, in a community committed to the arts; Fergus Grand Theatre is now set to continue its more than eighty legacy well into the future and meet its most satisfactory, happy, and gratifying future.
