Mason Temple Tours

Mason Temple which includes signage and a church or cathedral
Mason Temple
Mason Temple which includes signage and a church or cathedral
Mason Temple
Mason Temple


Just one day before his assassination, Dr. King delivered the Mountaintop Speech in this church that is now part of the National Civil Rights Trail.

The Mason Temple is a historic church, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave his last public speech in April 1968. He was killed the following day, with his words that he “might not get there with you” proved harrowing in their prophecy. Visit the Mason Temple and attend a Mass service in this iconic setting, which seats up to 7,500 people across two tiers.

Arrive at the church and appreciate the Art Moderne features of the frontage, with its elegant portico and side lanterns. Talk with a guide about Dr. King’s famous appearance in this church. He was speaking in support of the black sanitation workers in the community who had gone on strike.

Learn about the inequality that allowed privileges for white workers and unfair conditions for their black colleagues. Dr. King had hoped his talk would spark a march that would help overturn an injunction that banned protests.

Ask staff for a tour of the interior. Sit on a pew and imagine being one of the attendees watching Dr. King’s last speech. The site is open Monday to Friday from early morning until the afternoon.

The church was built in the 1940s and is part of the Church of God in Christ denomination of Christianity. It is the main structure from the six sites that make up the church’s world headquarters. Note that the church is part of the world’s largest African American Pentecostal movement.

The Mason Temple is in the Washington Heights area a little south of the center of Memphis. From the Downtown Memphis zone, travel by bus to a stop just outside the church or walk south for about 30 minutes to reach it. Explore the surroundings to see some of the nearby attractions, including Gaston Park, the Stax Museum of American Soul Music and the National Civil Rights Museum.

Plan a trip to see Mason Temple

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Sheraton Memphis Downtown Hotel
Hotel Napoleon Memphis
The Stallion

Browse tours and tickets to explore Mason Temple

Tours & day trips

See all 48 activities

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 12 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 10 activities

Cruises & boat tours

See all 4 activities

Adventure & outdoor

See all 3 activities

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Mason Temple

Hu. Hotel

Hu. Hotel

3.5 out of 5
79 Madison Avenue, Memphis, TN
Hu. Hotel
Hyatt Centric Beale Street Memphis

Hyatt Centric Beale Street Memphis

4 out of 5
33 BEALE STREET, Memphis, TN
Hyatt Centric Beale Street Memphis
Hampton Inn & Suites Memphis-Beale Street

Hampton Inn & Suites Memphis-Beale Street

2.5 out of 5
175 Peabody Pl, Memphis, TN
Hampton Inn & Suites Memphis-Beale Street
ARRIVE Memphis

ARRIVE Memphis

4 out of 5
477 S Main St, Memphis, TN
ARRIVE Memphis
DoubleTree by Hilton Memphis Downtown

DoubleTree by Hilton Memphis Downtown

4 out of 5
185 Union Ave, Memphis, TN
DoubleTree by Hilton Memphis Downtown
Hotel Indigo Memphis Downtown by IHG

Hotel Indigo Memphis Downtown by IHG

3.5 out of 5
22 N B.B. King Blvd, Memphis, TN
Hotel Indigo Memphis Downtown by IHG
The Westin Memphis Beale Street

The Westin Memphis Beale Street

4 out of 5
170 Lt Geo W Lee Ave, Memphis, TN
The Westin Memphis Beale Street
Big Cypress Lodge

Big Cypress Lodge

5 out of 5
1 Bass Pro Drive, Memphis, TN
Big Cypress Lodge
Vibrant Memphis Home- 3 Min to Beale, Stax, & FedEx Forum

Vibrant Memphis Home- 3 Min to Beale, Stax, & FedEx Forum

2 out of 5
Memphis
Vibrant Memphis Home- 3 Min to Beale, Stax, & FedEx Forum
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.