Not only did Steven Spielberg’s “The Color Purple” launch the careers of Whoopi Goldberg and Oprah Winfrey, the renowned film also put Anson and Union counties in the national spotlight. Even 30 years later, people still come to see the house and church used in the film.
The home, located near Lilesville, is now privately owned and the church sits nearby.
According to Anson County native Angela Tina Caraway, the church was moved from Ansonville to Lilesville in 1985 for the film’s production. “The church used to be First Baptist Church in Ansonville,” she said. “I remember when they moved it to Lilesville. I remember seeing the church going down the highway on its way to Lilesville. I couldn’t believe they were moving the entire church.”
A Sept. 15, 1985 article in The Chicago Tribune talked about the film’s positive economic impact on Anson County: “… David Thompson of the Chamber of Commerce claimed that the county was ‘experiencing a direct, positive impact,’ especially in the areas of transportation and lumber sales (for construction). ‘They have used a lot of local carpenters, and spent a lot of money with the gas and phone company. They’ve also used a lot of local extras in the film.’”
The Anson County Arts Council and the Marshville Museum and Cultural Center are joining with Uptown Wadesboro, Inc., and HOLLA! to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the filming of “The Color Purple” next week.
One of the events is the July Bach’s Lunch, planned for next Wednesday at noon at the First Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall. Sonya Ellerbe, who played the piano in the church scene, is still playing and Michelle Smith, who sang in the choir, is still singing. Both will present a program of gospel music, including some songs from the movie during the Bach’s Lunch program. Joining them will be Rev. Joann Bennett, Carolyn Hilliard, and Donnie Lewis.
The menu of fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, black-eyed peas, collards, cornbread, and peach cobbler will be catered by Jammin’ Collards of Ansonville. Everyone is encouraged to wear purple to add the festivity.
Everyone is also encouraged to purchase $10 tickets in advance at the Anson County Arts Council, Lacy’s, or from any arts council board member. Because of limited seating, there may be no tickets available at the door. For more information, call 704-694-4950.
A complete schedule of events planned to help celebrate the 30th anniversary of “The Color Purple” is below:
July 13, 7-9 p.m. — “Meet and Greet” reception at the Marshville Community Center.
July 14, 7-9 p.m. — Gospel Singing on the Square, Wadesboro.
July 15, noon to 1 p.m. — Bach’s Lunch, First Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall, Wadesboro. Cost is $10.
July 16, 11 a.m. — Color Purple Lunch, Kate-Clyde Catering Creations, Marshville. Tickets are $7.
July 16, 6-9 p.m. — “Meet and Greet” Color Purple Party, HOLLA! Center, Morven.
July 17, 7 p.m. — “The Color Purple” screening at Ansonia Theatre. Free. The mailbox featured in the movie will be onsite for citizens to take photos with, and share their own memories.
July 18, 6-11 p.m. — Grand Finale Celebration, downtown Marshville with Juke Joint, band and street vendors.
July 19, 3 p.m. — An additional matinee screening of “The Color Purple” at Ansonia Theatre. Free.