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3/8 Mighty Robert Morton
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This month's featured organ is the 3/8 Mighty Robert Morton Theatre Pipe Organ installed at the Temple Theatre in Meridian, Mississippi. It is the fourty-third instrument to be featured at Walnut Hill to date. The photographs in this feature except the one below which is supplied by the Sterling Gold Coast Theatre Organ Society, were taken and are supplied by Tom Hoehn, working at the Clearwater Florida Office of Walnut Hill Productions as a field reporter and editor. Also to come are some nice recordings from a performance by Tom at this wonderful instrument in the days ahead as we construct this page. The Temple Theatre of Meridian, Mississippi was built in 1923 by the Hamasa Shrine. It was leased to the Saenger Theatre chain in 1927 for 25 years and renewed for an additional 20 years. The Saanger tenure ended in 1972. This stunningly beautiful motion picture palace featured architecture done in a Byzantine motif including marble fountains and splendid bronze chandeliers. It has been said that the Temple in Meridian rivaled the ornate movie houses of New Orleans and Atlanta. With seating for 1,800 persons, the silent movie era was a prosperous time for the Temple. Another feature of this lavish cinema was, and still is today, the 3/8 Mighty Robert Morton Theatre Pipe Organ. With its highly figured white and gold console, excellent stop selection, and good acoustical setting, the organ has 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 1,800 seats were recovered. The theatre has received a new lease life as it is used today for both Shrine functions and for public screenings of classic movies. To learn more about this fine instrument and the people who keep her going, click here. |
A Closer Look at the Console |
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For over 25 years of personal effort and sacrifice, the Temple Theatre's 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 theatre organ lovers from all over the country and the world.
Left bolster.
Center Bolster.
Right Bolster.
Console decorations. |
A Closer Look At The Chambers |
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The shots below will take us on a trip through the chambers to look at the pipework that gives this old gal her silky voice.
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Free Music Downloads |
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Below are eight selections performed by the illustrious and talented Tom Hoehn at the 3/8 Mighty Robert Morton Theatre Organ installed at the Temple Theatre in Meridian, Mississippi.
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