Meridian Star

Opinion

November 19, 2009

New life at historic Temple Theatre …

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.

Text Only
Opinion
  • Public Charter Schools Give Parents Choice in Children’s Education

    February 20, 2012

  • From growth to great

    February 20, 2012

  • Today’s Need - $1,545.00

    October 29, 2011

  • test

    July 27, 2011

  • July brings memories of Old Red

    Dear Readers,
        It’s July and the weather is hot, the grass is growing, and everything is as it should be in East Central Mississippi. With grass cutting season, my thoughts always include, Ole Red, my number one, all-time fav riding mower. Because many of you have asked, here is my Ole Red story again.

    July 8, 2011

  • Today’s need — 1,979.90

        1 JOHN 3:17 - “If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has not pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?”  Praise belongs to God as every need in 2010 and 2011 has been met.  Thanks to everyone who has generously given over the last two years to change lives physically, financially, and spiritually.  Each week I stand in awe of God as I witness God’s provision in our lives. On August 20th 1 JOHN 3:17 will be having a Community Worship Service at the Evangel Temple featuring former Mob Leader Michael Franzese discussing “The Good the Bad and the Forgiven”!!! Former “Prince of the Mafia” Michael Franzese is now a man on a mission.  This former mob leader is now a humble man whose fascinating story of redemption and renewal God is using in churches all across the country.  Mark your calendar because you will not want to miss this event.  If you would like to be responsible for helping bring a group, please contact Trey Long 601-934-9427. We need people from all churches encouraging their congregation to be a part of this special service as we celebrate the provision God has given to meet every need 1 JOHN 3:17 has ever presented.   Mark August 20th on your calendar today!

    July 3, 2011

  • Letter: Loss of more than just a boss

    June 13, 2011

  • Only in Mississippi . . .

       I walked the hayfield located on Highway 16 near Philadelphia, MS. It was green and lush, well fertilized -- a cushioned walk for my weary feet. The blue-bird sky sparkled with the warmth of a gorgeous sun that was poised for a glorious sunset. There was a light breeze in the air and everything seemed right with the world.

    April 22, 2011

  • Murray Hailey

    December 29, 2010

  • Robert M. Quinnelly

    December 3, 2010

New Today
Community Calendar
Loading…
Events by eviesays.com
Facebook
Facebook
AP Video
Sister Says She Reported Brother in Patz Killing Patz Suspect's Sister: I Went to Police in 1980s Diplomatic Expulsions Follow Fresh Syria Report 15 Dead in Northern Italy's 5.8-magnitude Quake Angry Birds Spreading Their Wings Witness Describes Fla. Face-chewing Attack Man Falls Off Crane, Dies After Police Standoff Russia Condemns Ally Syria Over Massacre of 108 Dairy Farm Uses Chiropractor to Help Cows Unexpected Smog in Pristine National Parks Air Canada Plane Makes Emergency Landing New Ticks Spread Across Southeast, Diseases Rise Bring Your Own Tech Programs Charge Up Students Pope's Butler Vows to Help Vatican Investigation Mother of Allegedly Abused Girl Denies Claims Raw Video: 19 Dead in Qatar Shopping Mall Fire Service Dogs Help Wash. Soldiers Battling PTSD Raw Video: Heckler Bursts in on Blair Testimony Japan Farmers Plant, Seek Radiation-free Rice
Hyperlocal Search
Premier Guide
Find a business

Walking Fingers
Maps, Menus, Store hours, Coupons, and more...
Premier Guide
Popular Searches
Powered by Local.com
Twitter Updates
Follow us on twitter
Follow me on Twitter
Echoes from the Titanic