Anne McKee

It was the early 1920’s, and the Meridian Hamasa Shrine experienced a growing spurt. Yes, the city of Meridian was in the middle of the “Golden Age” of prosperity. Schools, parks, public transportation, public works, manufacturing, and all sorts of mercantile experienced a healthy increase of expansion, growth, and excitement. It was at this time that the Hamasa Shrine sought a larger facility to accommodate their needs for the various meetings and ceremonies they conducted. Architect Emile Weil was contracted to design the building. Construction began in 1923 and the Grand Ballroom was completed by November 1924. The Shrine occupied the new facility and conducted their meetings and ceremonies there while the remainder of the building was completed.

The building today, located at the corner of 8th Street and 24th Avenue, is much the same as originally built. The exterior is designed in the Moorish Revival style with the interior featuring Byzantine motif decorations. It is to the credit of the caretakers over the years that the exceptional quality was maintained. Today, we enjoy its historic significance and priceless quality.

It was 1928 when the Temple Theatre installed the 3 manual, 8 rank Robert Morton Theatre Pipe Organ. For the next 40 years, the impressive musical instrument entertained crowd after crowd, especially, as an accompaniment during the silent movie era. The pipe organ was clearly an item of luxury in the day, and, now, has claimed an important element of the Meridian Temple Theatre history. Mr. Frank Evans renovated the organ in 1973 and has continued to keep an alert eye to the upkeep and daily needs of such a fine instrument – famous as one of few working theatre organs.

As I wandered the impressive hallways of the Temple, I came upon a lovely portrait of a beautiful young lady. She was Miss Emma Lois Bosage, onetime organist at the theatre. There have been many organists through the years to caress the old ivories, I know, but as Miss Bosage gazed down upon me, I could almost hear the grandness of the pipe organ once again and I was lost in the magic of it all. I wondered … if she continued to enjoy the beautiful tones of the quality musical sounds as she lounged on Heaven’s footstool?

Can you imagine all of the artists and entertainers who found the Temple Theatre to their liking? I've witnessed performers from the stage rave about the beauty of the interior and the perfect sound. Listed below are a few of the famous and infamous as well:



Benny Goodman Orchestra Phylis Diller

Conway Twitty Rosemary Clooney

David Copperfield Ernest Tubb

George Jones Frankie Lane

Vic Damone Hank Williams Jr.

Oak Ridge Boys J. D. Sumner & The Stamps



Now, for the BIG news! Actually, dear readers, you have probably already heard about the new caretaker/owner, Mr. Roger Smith, and his efforts to keep the lovely theatre active with grand shows and family opportunities. I want to tell you a little more. Mr. Smith is a semi-retired businessman from Dallas. He came to town with a giant hope in this heart to bring new life to the historic Temple Theatre. Mr. Smith purchased the entire facility – theatre and ballroom, and he is committed to bring the Temple back to its former splendor. He knew a real jewel when he first saw the beautiful facility. Checkout the web site: www.meridiantempletheatre.com.

Because of the dedication and interest of one of Meridian’s leading business owners, Hartley Peavey, the Temple Theatre can now offer classic movies to the public at a nominal charge. The Peavey organization took the task of updating the 1940’s era projection sound system. Mr. Peavey stated, “We wanted to preserve the classic movie-going experience that so many remember from our childhood.” Now the public can enjoy movies once again at the Temple. Below is a listing of movie dates:



Upcoming Temple Theatre movies:

Saturday, November 28 (full day of events.)



1:00

Matinee - Sound of Music



Polar Express Experience with Santa. Parents and children dress in pj’s and enjoy hot chocolate.



7:15 pm

Sing-Along-On-Screen (with organ music.)



7:15 pm

Sound of Music



11:00 pm

Rocky Horror Picture Show



Sunday, November 29 @ 1:30 pm

Sound of Music



December 5 @ 1:30 pm

Polar Express with Santa



5:00 pm

Ben-Hur



8:00

TBA Movie



December 18 @7 & 9:00 pm

Polar Express with Santa



Additional December events:



December 3 @ 7:00 pm

Jimmie Rodgers Foundation Presents

Ernie Haase & Signature Sound



December 4 @ 7:30 pm

“Teen Night”



December 11 @ 7:30 pm

Sucarnochee Review with Steve Amerson & Laurie Stephenson



December 12 @ 11:00 am

Meridian Community College Graduation



December 19 @ 7:00 pm

Meridian Community College Graduation



December 20 @ 8:00 pm

Songwriters Night with Eric Church – Young & Wild ER Tour



December 26

Bill Payton



December 31

Bill Payton



As you can easily see by this impressive listing of outstanding movies and musical events, Mr. Roger Smith brought new life to the Temple Theatre. Now is the time for Meridianites and residents of the surrounding areas to support his efforts by attending as many of these opportunities as possible. Without community support, the beautiful theatre will suffer – dear citizens, don't let that happen. For ticket information and any updates to the scheduling, call (601) 693- 5353.

See you at the Temple!



Anne McKee is an author and storyteller. She lives in Meridian. Anne is listed on the Mississippi Artist Roster, sponsored by Mississippi Arts Commission, as a dramatic and literary artist, storyteller, and as a Teaching Artist. She is active with the arts and educational communities throughout Mississippi.