At’s exciting times in downtown Meridian, Mississippi! John McClure, Meridian Main Street Executive Director, the MMS board of directors, and a lively staff of volunteers are responsible for a great deal of the excitement. The revitalization of downtown Meridian has become a reality, and not just by chance. There has been and continues to be a great deal of work involved — planning, partnering, praying always praying that downtown Meridian will once again sparkle as a place of dynamic cultural energy displaying character, diversity, and heritage through the arts and entrepreneurships, private and public enterprises, educational opportunities, plus a great place to live, learn, and work. It is becoming a reality.  

    One of the main components of the revitalization of downtown Meridian is the lovely and historic Moorish Revival style Temple Theater with the interior of the theater featuring Byzantine motif decorations.  Yes, it has the WOW visual effect – a true Meridian treasure.

    It was in the early 1920s when the membership of the Hamasa Shrine saw the need of a larger facility. The organization wanted a place to accommodate meetings and ceremonies as well as a facility for community use. Construction began in 1923 and completed in 1928. The theater signed a contract with the Saenger Theater chain in 1927 and for the next 40 years the Temple was a thriving and intricate part of Meridian entertainment. During the silent movie era, a 3 manual 8 rank Robert Morton Theater Pipe Organ was installed to bring the enthralling excitement of musical accompaniment for such classics as Ben-Hur and The Ten Commandments.

    There are so many “Temple Memories” for me as a native Meridianite – Miss Meridian Pageants, Miss Hospitality, Miss Junior Miss, now known as Mississippi Distinguished Young Women, Jimmie Rodgers Festival shows, dance reviews, graduations, and so many others.  I especially remember those Saturday morning movies for kids. My Daddy called them, “Saturday Morning Shoot Up’s.” There would be long lines of little ones all along 8th Street with parents or older teens as chaperons. Sometimes only a canned item would be the price of admission. Hamasa was and continues to be well known for their contributions pertaining to local needs.

    As expected when maintaining a large facility, the needs were many and workers few. It was in February 2009 when a semi-retired businessman from Dallas expressed an interest in bringing the Temple back to its former splendor. Yes, Roger Smith could see the potential of creating and presenting a rich and full calendar of events and entertainment once again at the Temple, not just for the Meridian public, but all inclusive of the entire southeastern region, and in three short years, Roger has once again placed the grand Temple Theater in the realm of the finest art and entertainment venues.

    I have visited with Roger Smith many times and shared with him my Temple Theater memories. I must tell you that Roger is courageous, dedicated, and a true entertainment entrepreneur. What a magnificent gift for Meridian – a champion for the Queen City’s culture, arts, diversity, and entertainment.

Dear readers: Hold on to your hats as I attempt to update you pertaining to the giant steps made during the last three years via The Temple Theater:

    1. The facility is now The Temple Theatre for the Performing Arts.

    2. Roger Smith, Executive Director, owner of the entire theater and ballroom.

    3. Bob Cook, Director of Operations.

    4. “Legends” Magazine, Publisher, Marianne Todd, offices located there.

    5. The Sucarnochee Revue, a nationwide broadcast and aired on Mississippi Public Television. The program is staged at the Temple first Friday of each month – a musical revue with Jacky Jack White.

    6. At the Temple Theatre on July 22, 2010, Mississippi secretary of state Delbert Hosemann announced Meridian as the first city to receive the state’s entertainment district designation.

    7. March 4, 2012 featured on the “Mississippi Arts Hour,” a radio program hosted by Mississippi Arts Commission and broadcast on Mississippi Public Broadcasting’s FM and digital radio networks.

    8. Affiliated now with Jefferson Performing Arts Society, Louisiana’s “Cultural Leader” & Premiere Theatre Company on Tour, past shows, Hairspray, February 22, and The Bikinis, March 18, Behind the Pulpit, New date announcement soon.  Upcoming performances: How I Became A Pirate, April 22, and Xanadu, June 9 & 10.  Ticket costs: $30 Adults, $27 Senior/Military, $20 Student, $15 Children.

    9. Audition Notice: Monday, April 2, 4-5 PM for The Secret Garden.

    10. The Temple Ballroom is available for weddings, lectures, small stage presentations, graduations, and memorials with seating up to 180 guests and VIP table of 12.

    I have only featured a few of The Temple’s events and recent/upcoming happenings. For more information:

    The Temple Theater for the Performing Arts

    2320 8th Street

    Meridian, MS 39301

    Office: 601.693.5353

    Bookings: 214.938.5656

    Yes, as Meridianites, we are witnessing the rebirth of a Meridian treasure known affectionately for many years as The Temple Theater – now as the Temple Theatre for the Performing Arts. We are grateful for the passion of a Texan who traveled east with a dream.

 

     Anne B. McKee is an author and storyteller. She lives in Meridian. Visit her web site at www.annemckee.net.