The Zembo Shrine Building, also known as the Zembo Mosque, is a Masonic building located in the Uptown neighborhood of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. It is significant architecturally as an example of Moorish Revival architecture. Construction on the edifice was started in 1928, and opened the building in 1930.[1][2] The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2024.[3]
| Zembo Shrine Building | |
|---|---|
 The Zembo Shrine building at night in early 2022. | |
| Built | 1928–1930 |
| Architect | Charles Howard Lloyd |
| Architectural style(s) | Moorish Revival |
It was designed by prolific Harrisburg architect Charles Howard Lloyd (1873-1937).[2]
Zembo Shrine is affiliated with Shriners International, a Masonic order and a philanthropic organization.[4]
Ownership
editThe building was to be sold in 2018 to TempleLive LLC. The initial asking price was $950,000. According to news reports, the building was to be sold by the Zembo Shriners in order to facilitate the organization's mission of raising money for 22 children's hospitals. However, that sale fell through when the Beaty Group was unable to integrate the venue with other regional performing arts establishments.[5] In late February 2022, the Board of Directors of Zembo Shriners announced that the building was no longer for sale and it would remain with the Fraternal organization. [6]
Historic persons and events
editThe Zembo building has played host to many events throughout the history of Harrisburg, including Governor's Balls, graduation ceremonies, circuses, and social events.
Pennsylvania State Senator M. Harvey Taylor, for which a prominent Harrisburg bridge is named, served as Potentate of Zembo Shriners in 1932. [7]
On September 15, 1960, John F. Kennedy made a campaign stop at Zembo Shrine. [8] Comedian and television host Johnny Carson performed here in 1962 for a Chamber of Commerce ceremony.[9]
On Tuesday, October 4, 2016, Hillary Clinton made a campaign stop at Zembo Shrine. [10]
Sporting events
editThe Harrisburg Senators, a basketball team, played there during 1947−1951.
Gilles Poisson wrestled for the World Wide Wrestling Federation as Louis Cyr there, defeating Mike Paidousis on January 30, 1976. Between 1964 and 1983, the World Wide Wrestling Federation and its successor the World Wrestling Federation ran at least 112 events which such notable performers as Arnold Skaaland, Bruno Sammartino, Killer Kowalski, Ernie Ladd, Lou Albano, Jimmy Snuka, The Wild Samoans, Rocky Johnson, and Hulk Hogan, among other notable stars of the era.
References
edit- ^ "Zembo Shrine History". Zembo Shrine Center. Retrieved February 23, 2019.
- ^ a b "Zembo Shrine Temple". Historical Marker Database.
- ^ "WEEKLY LIST OF ACTIONS TAKEN ON PROPERTIES: 2/9/2024 THROUGH 2/15/2024". National Park Service. Retrieved 2024-02-22.
- ^ "Zembo Shrine Walk for Love". WITF-TV. June 22, 2019. Retrieved February 26, 2021.
- ^ Berg, Joel (May 10, 2018). "Zembo Shrine back on market". Central Penn Business Journal. Retrieved March 9, 2020.
- ^ Gittens, Maddie. "Historic Zembo Shrine off the sales market, organization opts to keep building, focus on events". The Burg. Retrieved April 11, 2022.
- ^ "Past Potentates". Zembo Shriners. Retrieved April 11, 2022.
- ^ "Speech of Senator John F. Kennedy, Zembo Mosque Temple, Harrisburg, PA". The American Presidency Project. Retrieved April 11, 2022.
- ^ "Heavy Demand for Tickets Shifts C of C Winter Fete to Cathedral". The Evening News. January 26, 1962. p. 13. Retrieved September 4, 2024.
- ^ Simmers, Sean (October 4, 2016). "Hillary Clinton waves at a campaign rally at the Zembo Shrine in Harrisburg, Pa". Review Journal. Retrieved April 11, 2022.