Interfaith, News

Algeria Shrine Temple (Helena Civic Center, Helena, MT)

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Built in 1920-21 as the headquarters of the Algeria Shrine, this remarkable Moorish Revival style building, with its towering minaret, has long been a popular postcard and snapshot subject.

Note: This building  is smilar to Masjid ( Mosque) but it was not a Masjid. It was a  Shriners Temple (wikipedia.: Shriners and abbreviated A.A.O.N.M.S., established in 1870, is an appendant body to Freemasonry, based in the United States.)  The Shriners are an old voluntary organization of American men, and they incorporate a lot of Islamic/Turkish/Arabic imagery. They have built a number of hospitals as well. They used to be a lot more popular, which explains why they probably had to sell their temple in Helena. You can read more about them at the following links: wikipedia –  helenahistory – montanahistory

ci.helena.mt.us

  • wfraser11

    A monument to a violent 7th century cult .

  • bbies1973

    Helena purchased the Algeria Shrine Temple after an earthquake in 1935 caused significant damage to the building. Damage was so extensive that the entire west wall fell, but the minaret was undamaged. The city purchased the building and spent two years repairing the damage. It was converted it into a city hall until they moved the city offices out in 1975. The only official city business still attached to the building is the fire hall on the South of the building.

  • Jon Erdmann

    I have always been in dislike of this eye sore of Montana, it should be re-constructed to conform to the rest of the city.

  • Commentor

    The Shriner’s in their oath swear allegiance to Islam – do not trust the Shriner’s. Yes they help kids but who are they really. Not kidding here folks