Designed by Emile Weil, the cornerstone for the Jerusalem Temple was laid in 1916 and the dedication took place on December 2, 1916. Modifications were made in 1921 under the supervision of the architect Leon G. Zwikel of William T. Nolan architects.
According to the
Description and history of the Jerusalem Temple in New Orleans, Louisiana, a Shriners' Organization needs and must have a building of the mosque type. The style of architecture is modified Moorish, with the exterior done in face brick with terra cotta trim... The edifice was among the first in New Orleans to know the use of "tapestry brick" (supposedly resembling tapestry).
The interior of the temple was a domed auditorium with a balcony that seats 1800 people. The dome is painted with desert scenes. The stage was 62 ft wide and 25 ft deep. Today the building serves as a church.
SOURCES:
Cullom. "Description and History of the Jerusalem Temple in New Orleans Louisiana :: Louisiana Works Progress Administration (WPA)." Description and History of the Jerusalem Temple in New Orleans Louisiana :: Louisiana Works Progress Administration (WPA). ca. 1933. Accessed April 29, 2015.
http://louisdl.louislibraries.org/cdm/ref/collection/LWP/id/4892.
