Temple Theater (Meridian, Mississippi)
Temple Theater | |
| Location | Meridian, Mississippi |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 32°21′55″N 88°42′7.67″W / 32.36528°N 88.7021306°W |
| Built | 1924 |
| Architect | Emile Weil |
| Architectural style | Late 19th And 20th Century Revivals |
| MPS | Meridian MRA |
| NRHP reference No. | 79003407 |
| Added to NRHP | December 18, 1979 |
The Hamasa Shrine Temple Theater, added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979, is a historic theater located at 2320 8th Street in Meridian, Mississippi. The Temple Theater was constructed in the Moorish Revival style and began screening silent films in 1928. The theater features a Byzantine motif, a swirl of marble fountains, and large bronze chandeliers. At the time of its construction, the theater contained one of the largest stages in the United States, second only to the Roxy Theater in New York City. The theater houses one of only two Robert Morton theatre organs still installed in their original locations in the State of Mississippi – the other being installed at the Saenger Theater in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Both organs are under the care and restoration efforts of the Magnolia Chapter of the American Theatre Organ Society (ATOS).
The Temple, originally used for vaudeville and movies, is now used year-round for area events, live stage shows, plays, and concerts.