(from staff reports)
The Temple Theater has been sold.
The new owners will unveil new plans for the historic building at a 3 p.m. news conference today at the theater.
Last June, the Hamasa Shriners put the theater on the market after more than 80 years of ownership. 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.But the new owners will announce detailed plans today. 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.
SOURCE: The Meridian Star
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