Inducted 2006

From his humble beginnings in Union Grove, North Carolina, on August 18, 1932, Maurice Templeton has traveled an exciting path through life. After accepting Christ at the age of 35, he began developing a love for Southern Gospel Music which led to him singing in a church group called the 11^th Hour Singers. His desire to visit the Holy Land led to him organizing small tour groups, which was how the Lord prepared him for his next career in the travel industry.

1974 saw Maurice move back to North Carolina where he began working in a travel agency, which later led to the creation of Templeton Tours – the first travel agency specializing solely in Christ-centered vacations to destinations all over the world.

The travel business, however, never replaced his love for gospel music. He purchased Singing News magazine in 1986, and proceeded to establish it as the industry leader. Along the way, he helped revitalize the National Quartet Convention, started Reach Satellite Radio Network (now Solid Gospel Radio Network), and created the Southern Gospel Music Association. The Lord showed him the need to remember the pioneers in Southern Gospel Music, and thus he spearheaded the creation of the SGMA Hall of Fame. Now these hallowed halls pay tribute to those whose hard work and determination provided the sure foundation that the industry enjoys today.