The historic building was one of the five replacement structures following the 1923 fire that destroyed Elon's Main Building.
On Jan. 18, 1923, a fire destroyed Elon College’s main administration building, which included the college’s school records, classrooms, library and chapel. Fortunately, this fire did not stand in the way of Elon’s growth for too long, as the trustees immediately voted to rebuild, developing a building plan “for the next hundred years.” As Elon forged a new direction following the fire, they planned to build five replacement structures in place of the one lost to the flames — an administration building, a Christian education building, a library, a science building and an auditorium, which became Whitley Auditorium.
A generous endowment of $87,000 from Colonel J.M. Darden was dedicated to the construction of Whitley, named in memory of Darden’s father-in-law, Leonard H. Whitley. The cornerstone was laid on May 23, 1923, by the Elon Lodge, Ancient and Free Masons in conjunction with the Grand Lodge of North Carolina. All former presidents of Elon, along with current President W. A. Harper, were present for the ceremony.
“The Whitley Memorial Building will be made one of the most attractive building on campus, and it will be planned so as to give the greatest possible amount of service, and at the same time to beautify the entire plant,” the March 30, 1923 edition of the student-run newspaper, The Maroon and Gold, said.
Upon its completion in time for the 1924 graduation ceremony, Whitley became an integral part of the Elon College campus. Housing the college auditorium and the music department, Whitley also served as the meeting place for the college chapel for over three decades, which, at the time, students were required to attend twice a week.
Whitley Auditorium underwent a significant transformation in 1961 when its original Skinner pipe organ was replaced with a modern one, boasting 2,392 pipes. This marked a new era for the auditorium, as it enhanced its musical capabilities. In 1972, the building saw further renovations, including a complete rewiring and the replacement of wooden pews with modern theater-style seating. These changes not only improved comfort but also added to the aesthetic appeal of the auditorium.
The present Elon College Community Church building was completed in 1959, relieving Whitley of its role as a church meeting place. However, the auditorium remained an important space for various events, performances and gatherings, including graduation ceremonies. Whitley continued to play a vital role on campus, serving as the primary auditorium until 1987, when the Center for Arts was opened.
The turn of the century marked a renaissance for Whitley Auditorium. In 2000, following a $1 million restoration project, the building’s lobby was redesigned, chandeliers were added, new tile flooring was installed, the heating and air conditioning systems were updated, and a sound system was implemented. These changes restored the auditorium’s grandeur, making it an even more desirable space for various occasions.
“Even when you introduce modern requirements for a space … it was critical to preserve Whitley Auditorium’s elegant architectural detail,” said Gerald Whittington, former vice president of business and finance, in September 2000 after Whitley’s reopening. “We believe that we have enhanced the space with what we have done and kept the look true to its history.”
One of the most significant enhancements during this time was the installation of the Alyse Smith Cooper Casavant Pipe Organ in 2001, funded by the J. Harold Smith Family. This addition transformed Whitley into a true performance jewel. The Casavant organ, designed by Benoît Gendron and featuring hand-carved pipe shades by renowned Québec artist Jean Dutin, became a visually striking and musically versatile centerpiece. This organ boasts more than 2,500 pipes. In 2011, the Casavant organ celebrated its 10th anniversary, solidifying its place as a treasured addition to the auditorium.
In 2023, Whitley Auditorium proudly marks its centenary. As part of the celebration, a special music piece was performed on Oct. 8 by Associate Professor of Music Todd Coleman. Over the years, it has evolved from a simple chapel and college auditorium into a sophisticated, state-of-the-art performance space, cherished by the Elon University community. It stands as a testament to the vision of its benefactor and the dedication of those who have maintained and improved it throughout the years.
“Most universities or organizations with a concert hall, the concert hall is the most beautiful place on campus. It’s almost like being in a cathedral. It’s meant to be a special, I’ll call it spiritual, experience in its own right without the music,” Coleman said ahead of the performance of the commemorative piece. “For me, Whitley is the closest thing we have to a space where you can experience music, where the environment you’re in matches the magic or mystical quality of the art of sound.”
Whitley Auditorium has been the heart of the campus for a century, bringing together students, faculty and the community through music, performances and shared experiences. As it turns 100, Whitley Auditorium truly reflects the spirit of Elon University’s commitment to progress, art and culture.