The Shrine Mosque has been an Ozarks landmark since 1923. That year, work was complete on the towering downtown Springfield structure, which was — and is — home for the Abou Ben Adhem Shriners. Despite its name, the mosque has no religious affiliation, but was built as part of a national movement and as a complement to Springfield’s expected growth.
“All Southwest Missouri will be benefited by the mosque, it was said by local Shriners,” noted the Springfield Leader in February 1921. “The district will be able to see the largest attractions of the country, in addition to local pageants and attractions, at a low price because of the large seating capacity.”
More than a century later, it has built a place in the minds and memories of many through concerts and events held over the years.
“This is the largest building on all of Route 66 and it’s the only building left that’s still being used for what it was built for,” says Sam Montgomery, a Shriner who has been involved with the mosque since the 1970s. Like many others, his own memories of it go back to childhood, when he began attending the circus within its walls. “Most of the people are more blown away by what has happened in here than they actually are by the history of the building…