In 1967, a nine-year old youngster by the name of Roger Smith was sitting in a movie theater in his home town of Fort Worth, Texas awaiting the beginning of the latest western starring John Wayne.

Suddenly, “The Duke” walked out on the stage in front of the huge movie screen to a thundering round of applause and shouts. He had appeared as if riding out of the dust of a long trail drive to present the premiere of the movie to the fans. It was a moment that made and undeniably impression of Smith and planted the first seed of a dream — to own a movie house.

Forty-two years later Smith’s wish came true when he was announced Monday as the new owner of the Temple Theater in Meridian.

“I’ve been looking for the right place in which to do this,” said the tall and lean Texan who ran the projector at his home theater. “Many towns and cities tear down their old movie houses but not Meridian. I’m so glad they didn’t.”

The amount of the transaction with the Hamasa Shriners of Meridian who had put the theater up for sale in June after 80 years of ownership was $500,000. The building — which is listed on the National Register of Historical places — was built by the Shriners in the mid-1920s and has been a historical and architectural staple in Meridian for years. It is noted for its Moorish revival style architecture and design, popular among Shriners’ Temples, and its remarkable pipe organ.

It was once the only movie theater in town, later being leased by the Saenger chain of theaters for 40 years. In its heyday, residents would line up around the block for the Saturday matinees.

In recent years, the theater has been primarily used for stage productions. Officials have said the new owners will continue to use the building for much the same way.

“I will run a dual operation here which includes movies and stage productions,” said Smith. “I’ve moved to Meridian now so this is my home. That is the level of my commitment to this business.”

Jerome Kittrell was described by Hamasa Shriners Recorder Benny Eggler as the man in the middle. It was Kittrell who brokered the deal between the Shriners and Smith. He said the search for a person who would keep the Temple Theater going became a labor of love.

“This building is an institution in Meridian and East Mississippi so I was looking for someone who would embrace that,” Kittrell said. “I found that person in Roger.”

The Shriners sold the building because they needed a more functional multi-purpose building and because they didn’t want to continue to be in the business of marketing the theater for entertainment. But where would the Shriners have to move to once a new owner took over?

“Nowhere,” Eggler said with great appreciation to Smith. “We agreed to a contract for us to stay right where we are and continue to be close to a legacy we dearly love.”

Smith said he will try to restore the 83-year old theater to some of its original glory both in its appearance and with the types of entertainment it brings to the area. He asked the community to get behind him and help make the Temple Theater one of the shining jewels of east Mississippi as it was many years ago.

“Pass the word,” he said. “The Temple Theater is here to stay.”

For more information on the Temple Theater you can contact the Hamasa Shriners office at 601-693-1361 or call Roger Smith at 215-938-5656.