“No Man Stands So Tall as When he Stoops to Help a Child”
The Historic Shrine and Abou Ben Adhem Shriners thank you for your continued support of our community we live in!
The Historic Shrine has over 90 years of supporting nonprofits and community events such as telethons, dances, concerts, and celebrity guests including Presidential visits! We would like to offer your organization a special opportunity of partnership for your next event! We offer an amazing facility able to host from the intimate up to the grand (3,200+) plus the staff to make your next event truly spectacular.
The fraternal organization the “Abou Ben Adhem Shriners” created deep roots in this community and Missouri prior to the first brick of the Historic Shrine ever being placed. The term ‘Abou Ben Adhem’ is translated from Arabic meaning “May His Tribe Increase!” – A name taken from the Leigh Hunt (1784-1859) poem “Abou Ben Adhem”. An apt name for the structure, as its community role and service has increased over the decades!
The first meeting of the organization was on October 15, 1903 in the Ararat Shrine of Kansas City, MO and consisted of the Knights Templar and Scottish Rite fraternal organizations. Three years later in 1906, the Masonic Lodge located on East Walnut (currently the boutique Hotel Vandivort) voted to construct an auditorium to serve as the home of the newly created Abou Ben Adhem Shriners. The land was purchased from the Frank Herman Saddlery Company and with the help of local carpenters, masons, plumbers, electricians and construction workers the magnificent building was created. The cost of construction in 1920 was $600,000 – in 2014, that cost would exceed $7.3 million!
On November 3, 1923; the Historic Shrine building was dedicated - marking the beginning of a community focused landmark and home to the ‘Abou Ben Adhem Shriners’. The event was attended by Imperial (national) leaders of the Shriners, Shriners from 12 states, local and state Masonic lodges, the Knights Templar, Scottish Rite, and most importantly the community of Springfield metro area. The structure represents the dedication of the Shriners to their community and still does today.
At its creation, the structure boasted the largest auditorium west of the Mississippi and the second largest stage right behind the New York Metropolitan Opera Theater. The Saracen, or Moorish, architecture is unique to the area and was the creation of Springfield architects – Heckenlively and Mark. The design includes massive red brick wall, terracotta
polychrome turrets, and two beautifully intricate stained glass windows depicting a camel caravan designed by Stanley Uthwatt. The interior is of the same Saracen design in its awe inspiring presence. Tours of this beautiful building are available by appointment to educational / community groups.
The auditorium can sit 3,200 and the lower level event area can hold 1,300 participants. The building has been host to numerous community events including Circuses, Telethons, War Bond drives, Revivals, and Presidential visits (Truman, Roosevelt, and Reagan)! Additionally the facility has had an eclectic range of performers on the beautiful stage from the Vienna Singers to Elvis Presley (surprisingly a poorly attended concert) to modern performers such as the Blue Comedy Tour and Rob Zombie.
The lower level also boasts a fantastic collection of Shriner and City of Springfield historic items in the Shrine Museum – uniquely located in a 1920s bank vault. In the museum, one will find historical images, Shriner uniforms, articles, and play bills among other unique items. A true treasure trove of historical artifacts! The growth of the exhibit continues as the service of the Abou Ben Adhem Shriners to the community occurs year after year.
Preservation Association
To further the restoration and preservation efforts, the Shrine Mosque Preservation Association was formed in 1986 as a duly recognized 501c3. The mission of the Shrine Mosque Preservation Association is to preserve and restore the Historic Shrine back to its 1920’s glory for continued use by the community and the Abou Ben Adhem Shriners. Donations made to this organization are fully deductible up to the limit of the law and serve to restore this historical landmark. Organizational speakers are available to attend your function and speak of the fascinating history and community support.
While numerous preservation efforts have been made on the building (roof, domes, ramps, mason work, interior painting, etc.), the effort is not complete. A goal has been established to raise $500,000 to complete needed repairs in preparation for the centennial in 2023. To this end a development and preservation effort has been established to reach out to the community the building has served for over 90 years. The outreach is a combination of grant writing, event development, and facility rental; however, it is the support of the community and individuals that is most desperately needed! Thank you!