The Hamasa Shrine Temple Theater, added to the National Register of Historic Places (entertainment/recreation) on December 18, 1979, is a historic theater located at 2320 8th Street in Meridian, Mississippi.. The Temple Theater was constructed between 1923 and 1928 by the Hamasa Shrine , who sought to relocate because of cramped conditions in their building across town. They contracted with the Saenger organization for a new auditorium to be designed, built, & operated by Saenger in their building, with ownership remaining with the Hamasa Shrine (an arrangement similar to the one made later with Fox for the Atlanta Fox Theatre).
Designed by Emile Weil, it was constructed in the Moorish Revival style and originally opened on May 21, 1928 as a movie and vaudeville house. The theater features a Byzantine motif, a swirl of marble fountains, large bronze chandeliers, bright colors, and lush drapes. 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. However - for the first few months after completion - the only entertainment available were the occasional traveling show and wrestling matches.
The Shrine leased the theater to the Saenger Theater chain for 25 years and renewed the lease in 1952 for an additional 20 years, ending in 1972. With seating for 1800 persons, the silent movie era was a prosperous time for the Temple.
Though many movie houses across the nation have been demolished, the Temple has remained in constant use while under the possession of the Hamasa Shrine. In 1973 the Hamasa Shrine undertook a general restoration project - which ranged from repairing damaged plaster, cleaning and painting, reupholstering the seats and replacing the carpets. The Temple remains true to its original design with one exception: the lobby's terrazzo floor, inlaid with small brass stars, swastikas, and crescents, was edited during World War II. The swastikas, simply design elements when the theater was constructed, were removed.
In February 2009, a deal was struck between the Shriners and a semi-retired business man from Dallas. Roger Smith stepped forward - and has purchased the entire facility - Theater and Ballroom - and has committed to not only bringing the Temple back to it's former splendor, but to create and present a rich and full calendar of events and entertainment.
Today, the Temple is now used year-round for area events, live stage shows, plays, concerts, Hamasa Shrine functions, and public screenings of classic movies. It is a part of the Imperial Shrine Council, which consists of 191 Temples throughout North America. Every effort has been put forth by the Hamasa Shrine to make the structure the "finest theater in Mississippi."
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