THE AMERICAN THEATER ORGAN
SOCIETY
SOUTH MISSISSIPPI GOLD COAST CHAPTER
WELCOMES YOU TO THE
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Meridian, Mississippi
The Temple Theater was constructed in 1923 by the Hamasa Shrine and leased
to the Saenger Theater chain in 1927. Saenger originally leased the building
for 25 years and renewed for an additional 20, ending in 1972. This beautiful
motion picture palace featured Byzantine motif, marble fountains, and splendid
bronze chandeliers. It is said to have rivaled the ornate movie houses of New
Orleans and Atlanta. With seating for 1800 persons, the silent movie era was
a prosperous time for the Temple. Another feature of this lavish cinema was
the MIGHTY ROBERT MORTON PIPE ORGAN. With its ornate white and gold console,
excellent stop selection, and good acoustical setting, the organ thrilled audiences
from near and far. Fortunately, as many 1920's movie houses were meeting the
fate of the wrecking ball, the Temple, now under the care of the Shrine, was
painted, recarpeted, and the 1800 seats were recovered. The theater again saw
life as it was used for both Shrine functions and for public screenings of classic
movies.
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Through a quarter-century of personal effort and sacrifice, resident organist Frank Evans has kept the Mighty Morton playing. Frank has fought the ravages of time, leaking roofs, and falling plaster and, as a result, the organ is operating and playable. Frank entertains before Saturday evening shows, and his performances draw audiences of theater organ lovers from all over the country and the world.
Console of the Temple's Mighty Robert Morton organ
Background music heard on this site is being played by Frank Evans.
| PIPE VOICES AVAILABLE ON THE TEMPLE'S 8 RANK ROBERT MORTON ORGAN |
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TIBIA, DIAPASON, TUBA, KINURA, FLUTE, VIOLIN-I, VIOLIN-II and VOX |
The Temple Theater organ is under the care of Frank Evans and is counted among the instruments maintained by members of the American Theater Organ Society.
This page is presented by The American Theater Society, S.M.G.C. Chapter. For more information about our organization and the remaining theater organs in Mississippi and Louisiana, contact: