Plans for a major renovation of McGuire Auditorium, which includes restoration of the treasured glass spire, have moved forward thanks to a generous lead gift from the Williamson family of Tucson, Arizona. Their $100,000 commitment is the first gift toward this $300,000 project scheduled to begin later in 2025. Work is expected to be complete by fall 2026 to coincide with the building’s 50th anniversary.
Dedicated on September 26, 1976, McGuire Auditorium is the social and spiritual heart of Warner Pacific. For the Williamsons, the gift is a philanthropic continuation of their family’s legacy. Dorothy (McGuire) and Lowell Williamson were the original lead donors for the building and chose to name it in honor of Dorothy’s parents, Lillie and Asa McGuire. Lillie was an ordained minister in the Church of God, as was Lowell’s father.
The Williamson family was moved by the opportunity to honor their relatives, “Nearly five decades of Warner Pacific students have wonderful memories of graduation ceremonies, musical performances, inspiring speakers, and uplifting fellowship and prayer in that building,” they said. “Our family would want to see this continue for another 50 years.”
The restoration of the spire is urgent, as decades of Portland’s persistent rains have resulted in leaks in the joints connecting the distinctive colored glass blocks. WPU president, Dr. Brian Johnson noted the importance of McGuire Auditorium in the university’s history and its future, “Everyone who has set foot in McGuire can remember looking up and seeing the light of God through those windows. Warner Pacific is so fortunate for the original gift from Dorothy and Lowell Williamson that gave us this inspirational wonder and for its preservation through this new gift from the Williamson family.”
Some of the other major improvements include electrical system upgrades, new interior lighting, updated audio/visual equipment, new tables and chairs, and rebuilding the stage ramps.
If you would like to support this effort to renovate McGuire Auditorium for the next 50 years, please contact Andrew Wynings, Associate Vice President for Advancement at awynings@warnerpacific.edu or 503.517.1220.