Temple Theatre

2320 8th Street,
Meridian, MS 39301

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Additional Info

Previously operated by: Saenger Amusement Company

Architects: Emile Weil

Functions: Concerts, Live Performances, Movies (Classic)

Styles: Spanish Moorish

Previous Names: Hamasa Shrine Temple

Phone Numbers: Box Office: 601.693.5353

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Temple Theatre

Built between 1923 and 1927, the Hamasa Shrine Temple opened on May 22, 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 3 manual 8 ranks Robert Morton pipe organ, and the building also contains a ballroom. The Temple Theatre was offered ‘For Sale’ in November 2017 for $1.4m.

The Temple Theatre was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on December 18, 1979.

Contributed by Bryan Krefft

Recent comments (view all 7 comments)

hjackson
hjackson on August 26, 2005 at 4:54 pm

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.

CSWalczak
CSWalczak on January 18, 2010 at 6:58 am

Here is a recent article about the Temple and its current owner:
View link

JFunchman
JFunchman on October 8, 2011 at 2:27 pm

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.

JoeWebb
JoeWebb on June 27, 2013 at 4:35 pm

The drink machine is still there!

1proudtexan
1proudtexan on December 2, 2016 at 9:35 am

Saw “House on Haunted Hill” at the Temple when I was a kid. Love this theater and my memories of it.

Roger smith
Roger smith on November 2, 2017 at 9:02 pm

The temple theatre for the performing arts is a 501c3 corp and is currently on the market for sale for $1.4 m. It is a beautiful self supporting stage and film masterpiece and has been open continually since 1927. principals only no brokers. 917.545.9784

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