South Berkeley in Alameda County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Lorin Theater
(Philips Temple C. M. E. Church)
— City of Berkeley Landmark, designated in 1982 —
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, March 21, 2012
1. Lorin Theater Marker
James W. Plachek, Architect, 1921
The popularity of early movies created a demand for new spaces to accommodate eager audiences. South Berkeley’s first neighborhood theater with 144 stools for seats was established across Adeline Street in a storefront. In 1910 this building was constructed with 400 seats. It was soon enlarged to 800 seats. The owners advertised that “every foot of film’ that was shown has passed their own “personal inspection.”
In 1921 James Plachek redesigned the theater to provide 1,500 seats, an organ to accompany silent films, an Italian Renaissance-style facade and a large marquee. In 1954 the building began a second life as the home of the Phillips Temple C.M.E. Church. The congregation raised the substantial sum necessary to renovate the building in 1999 for earthquake safety and to restore much of the facade.
Erected 2000 by Berkeley Historical Plaque Project.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Churches & Religion • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Christian Methodist Episcopal (CME) Church series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1910.
Location.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. South Berkeley Bank (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Historic "Lorin District" (about 400 feet away); Site of Reid's Records (approx. 0.4 miles away); Exxon Super Service Station (approx. 0.6 miles away); William Byron Rumford (February 2, 1908 - June 12, 1986) (approx. 0.6 miles away); Burl Toler, Sr. (approx. 0.6 miles away); Rumford's Pharmacy (approx. 0.6 miles away); Santa Fe Railroad Tracks (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Berkeley.
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, March 21, 2012
2. Lorin Theater
Photographed By Ed Aust, April 19, 2023
3. Lorin Theater Marker
The theater is now the Phillips Temple Christian Methodist Episcopal Church.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 23, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 23, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 693 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 23, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 3. submitted on April 23, 2023, by Ed Aust of Oakland, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
