Pineville in Rapides Parish, Louisiana — The American South (West South Central)
Martin Performance Arts Center (MPAC)
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 26, 2025
1. Martin Performance Arts Center (MPAC) Marker
Norman and Lorraine Martin donated the funds for this theater arts building in 1992. In their 69 years of marriage, the couple became the most generous contributors to charitable causes across Central Louisiana. Norman served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II and headed the forestry division of the Roy O. Martin Company. His cutting-edge timber-stand improvement practices (TSI) and reforestation efforts positioned the family's business for a long sustainable future. He and Lorraine remained humble servants of Christ and leaders at every church they attended in Alexandria-Pineville and Kansas City. MPAC contains one of the most significant black box theaters in the nation, a television studio, and many classrooms.
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Colossians 3:17
Erected 2023 by Louisiana Christian University.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Charity & Public Work • Education • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical year for this entry is 1992.
Location. 31° 19.475′ N,
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Central Louisiana and in Acadiana Cajun Country. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Deep South. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the Viceroyalty of New France, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, the Louisiana Purchase, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: G. Earl Guinn (within shouting distance of this marker); Hixson Student Center (within shouting distance of this marker); Alexandria Hall
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 26, 2025
2. Martin Performance Arts Center & Marker
Looking southwest from Allen Drive.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Louisiana Christian University
Also see . . . Legacy of Norman & Lorraine Martin Honored at LCU (Louisiana Christian University).
(November 9, 2023) Excerpt: Dozens of campus and community members gathered at Louisiana Christian University to honor the lives and generous donation of Norman and Lorraine Martin, whose financial contribution and vision built the Martin Performing Arts Center some 30 years ago.(Submitted on October 18, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Lorraine Martin, of Kansas, City, Missouri, and her daughter Julia Martin Jones, of Charlottesville, Virginia, were joined by Roy O. Martin III and Dr. Maggie Martin, and close family friends to celebrate the legacy of the performing and media arts that MPAC has allowed to flourish. Norman Martin died in 2020. A historical marker was unveiled to recognize their legacy, followed by a luncheon.
The University is eternally grateful for the support of Lorraine and Norman Martin, said LCU President Dr. Rick Brewer. The Martin Performing Arts Center houses some of our most creative academic offerings and is well-used by our faculty and students. The vision Mr. and Mrs. Martin and President and Mrs. Lynn had for the construction of the Performing Arts Center in the early 90s continues to live on in the hundreds of students who have been part of the transformational academic experience of theater and media arts at Louisiana Christian University for the past 30 years.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 18, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 18, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 37 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 18, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
