Admission will be free. Concessions will be available, including soft drinks and hot coffee. "We'll get a little bit fancier later on," say the owners.

The event will last as long as the audience and singers want it to, but will likely end at around 8:30 p.m.

The music hall has been on the minds of Calvin and Mary Cooley for some time. "We first got the idea when we went a place up in Casey County where they set up in the garage," Mary Cooley said. "And, since we're retired, we've decided that it is too hard on us to travel to the music, so we'll just bring the music to us." Mr. Cooley is retired from the Kentucky Department of Transportation; Mrs. Cooley retired from Fruit of the Loom.

She added, "We wanted a place which would showcase local talent, as well." At first, local gospel groups will be featured, but later, Mrs. Cooley says, they'll get groups from other counties. Groups which get strong audience response will be asked back for repeat performances.

Events are now scheduled for the last Friday in each month.

Calvin Cooley bought the building which houses the hall in an unfinished state. Four acres, just north of the Egypt Christian Church, surround the building. The building itself measures 40 x 60 feet.

Padded pews from three locations will seat 150 people. A partially blacktopped, partially gravelled parking lot has been constructed, but all four acres are available for parking, if need be, Mr. Cooley said.

The walls of the hall are covered with cedar, and the building may be the only one with cedar lined restrooms. Calvin Cooley and son-in-law Frank Kologinczak, are responsible for this beautiful craftsmanship.

Mr. Cooley and Mr. Kologinczak built a 10 by 32 ft. stage.

Fans add additional comfort for the audience, and the building has a new heat pump to cool and heat the building.

The Cooleys have a lot to do with the present level of activity in Egypt. In 1976 they started Green River Grocery and Bait shop. They ran it for a year. "We wanted to prove that it could make money," Mrs. Cooley said, "then we leased it." Green River Grocery and Bait Shop has thrived ever since. Last year, they sold it to Lois Janes.

Egypt Gospel Quartet, one of the inaugural event's featured groups, includes Calvin Cooley, bass; Mary Cooley, alto and guitar; Russell Guy Perkins, tenor; Anna Huff, soprano; and Dickie Bryant on the dobro. This group favors Chuck Wagon Gang and old church songs. Audiences request "Kneel at the Cross," "Just Have a Little Talk with Jesus," and the new song, "I'm a Winner Either Way," which spotlights Russell Guy Perkins.

The Dream Depot Gospel Singers include lead Elaine Bennett; Junior Feese, bass; Trilby Vance, tenor; Judy Somerville, alto; Robbie Cundiff, bass guitar; and Sonny Vance, lead guitar. Janice Overstreet will also appear. One of the most enthusiastically expected numbers is Junior Feese singing "Just Have a Little Talk with Jesus."

The building is located just south of the intersection of the Knifley Road/KY 551 and West Egypt Road, and just north of the Egypt Christian Church. It's location will make it handy for travellers to Green River Lake and Holmes Bend. "We hope to get a lot of tourists," Mrs. Cooley said.

TO GET THERE: From Columbia, take Campbellsville Street to Fairground Street. Go right on Fairground Street to Bull Run Road (immediately across the Russell Creek Bridge); turn left on Bull Run Road and go to intersection with Knifley Road/KY 551. Turn right, watch for sign just past Egypt Christian Church. TO COME BACK and see more of the beautiful farmland, go south on Knifley Road/KY 551 (left out of the parking lot. Stay on this road until you reach the intersection with KY 55. At the stop, turn left to Columbia, north to Campbellsville.

GOSPEL GROUPS can call 270-384-2730 to arrange appearances.

MAIL may be sent to the Cooleys' residence:

Calvin & Mary's Cedar Stage Gospel Hall
c/oCalvin and Mary Cooley
5332 Knifley Road
Columbia, KY 42728

Admission is free, but contributions for singers and building are accepted.