Temple Theatre
2320 Eighth Street,
Meridian,
MS
39301
2320 Eighth Street,
Meridian,
MS
39301
1 person
favorited this theater
Built between 1923 and 1927, the Hamasa Shrine Temple opened on May 21, 1928, and was designed by the Saenger Amusements favored architect, Emile Weil.
Today, the Temple Theatre is used for screening classic movies, live stage shows, plays and concerts. It also continues to be used for Shrine activities. The auditorium contains the original Robert Morton pipe organ, and the building also contains a ballroom.
The Temple Theatre was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on December 18, 1979.
Contributed by
Bryan Krefft
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Recent comments (view all 11 comments)
Last week I attended a great organ concert at the Temple Theatre.
Mr. Dolton McAlpin played an hour long program on the 3m/8r Theatre pipe organ and did a marvelous job. The organ is maintained by Mr. Frank Evans and is in top shape.
Here is a photo of the Temple Theater.
The Temple Theater was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
Temple Theater ** (added 1979 – Building – #79003407)
2318 8th St., Meridian
Historic Significance: Event
Area of Significance: Entertainment/Recreation
Period of Significance: 1900-1924, 1925-1949
Owner: Private
Historic Function: Recreation And Culture
Historic Sub-function: Theater
Current Function: Unknown
A Robert-Morton theater organ size 3/8 was installed in the Temple Theater in 1928.
The Temple Theater is for sale. Here is a story about it.
This is an undated photo.
Here are two other 1982 photos of the Temple:
Photo1
Photo2
This is a 2009 photo.
Here is a recent article about the Temple and its current owner:
View link
I lived in Meridian from 1960 – 1965. I’m sure I saw many movies at the Temple but I remember seeing “The Longest Day” there in ‘62. They had a huge poster affixed to the walkway in front of the theater promoting the film. I remember the theater as being very lush with thick carpets, upholstered folding seats, beautiful architecture and a balcony area. Back then you could punch several buttons on the self-serv fountain drink machine and get a “suicide drink,” multiple flavors mixed together. Fun times for a dime. Tickets I think were 35ยข. Glad to see it’s still open.