The Mission Theatre in Menard is undergoing a transformation. The foundation established for its restoration is working to bring new life to the building, in order for it to once again host movies, plays, and live music events. They’ve since been working with sponsors, local corporate donors, and individuals to generate the budget required for their initiative.
In late May 2019, the Mission Theatre Restoration Foundation posted to their Facebook page that a new roof was being placed on the facility, which was originally constructed in 1927. The roof was being completed by a local contractor and signaled the beginning of the building’s full restoration. The project was launched in 2010 by a small group of Menard residents who wished to see the theatre revitalized and reopened. The local group tried to form a 501C3, but after that did not work out, it’s now owned by the Menard Industrial Development Corporation. A new Board has been formed with an established 501C3, and the new Board President Cherry Branaman heads up the current project. Since then, they’ve had a series of fundraising initiatives, put in a lot of elbow grease, and found a grant writer and campaign manager who helped kicked the project into high gear.