On May 14, 1922, “The Leavenworth Times” reported that Universal Scenic Studio was creating new scenery for the Abdallah Shrine in Leavenworth, Kansas; both a permanent set for the space and a touring version when the Shrine visited other cities.
Here is the article in its entirety:
“’The Crescent is the official Shrine organ, published in St. Paul, Minn. A story in the May number of the publication, which follows, several of the special drops are described but the one that interests Leavenworth people the most and the one with which all are familiar, has been overlooked. This is the woods scene, taken from a photograph of Shrine Park, taken from the lake, looking south toward the bog dam that was constructed by the Fair organization. This scene is quickly recognized by all who have been inside the temple.
Of the other scenes, The Crescent, under the caption ‘Abdallah’s Stage Settings’ says:
It is safe to say that no Shrine temple in North America will possess more magnificent scenery for staging ceremonials that will Abdallah of Leavenworth, Kansas.
The Crescent man has viewed the scenic sets in the making, and if the Abdallah stage stuff is not
‘real class’ then Mohammed was a bum showman.
It just happens that the scenery is being made in St. Paul, where The Crescent mixes with the other saints and that Noble Boyd P. Joy is the man who is making it at Universal Scenic Studio, and those facts gave The man to take chance to see the stage equipment.
We wanted to say that before going ahead with this yarn, and to add that this story is being written, not as a paid advertisement, but as an appreciation of what is being done for Abdallah and her nobility to enjoy.
And that’s that.
Out of 4,000 yards of canvas and 4,000 feet of lumber, coupled with the many gallons of various colored paints, by artists who know their business, Noble Joy is creating reproductions of Meccas, the palaces and the Caliphs, and other views of equal importance to the story of the ritual.
Beginning with the asbestos curtain, showing an asbestos scene, every figure life size, and running through all the stages of the ritual scenes, are being made to fit the enormous stage out n Leavenworth, wit its 58-foot opening, and to truly present Arabic life on the desert as it is – or was when the Prophet was on earth. The asbestos curtain is simply enormous – it weighs half a ton. The picture runs through the entire width and height of the proscenium arch and shows the arrival of the caravan at the oasis at the hour of evening prayer. Over on the left is a low wall well and opposite it the followers of the Sheik appear to be busy in the formation of a camp while the chieftain of the tribe is kneeling on his prayer rug. In the distance appears the desert, with a glimpse of the pyramids showing through the haze. It is a splendid picture, and he wanted it without borders that usually are used to frame such a view – it stands out boldly for just what it is, an Arabic camp.
One cyclorama which must be all of 200 feet in length will encircle the stage, except across the front, while another complete stage setting includes a view of the sacred city from a minaret on the right. The tower has a balcony for the use of Muezzin, and on the opposite side are set pieces representing buildings along the street, with bazaars, etc.
The palace scene is made with set pieces, the drop at the rear being made to carry sliding doors. Through that opening the Potentate will make his entry.
The set pieces include tents, sphinxes, pyramids, palm and date trees, throne, and a whole mess of other things, and all so braced an arranged that they ‘stay put’ when required on stage, but can be quickly removed.
The Abdallah stuff really includes two complete sets of scenery, one for permanent use at the new Leavenworth mosque, and the other to be taken along when the temple visits other cities in the jurisdiction.
The scenery is to be loaded into a car and be delivered and place in the mosque not later than May 15, and from the amount of labor-saving machinery being used on the job, it will likely accomplish it.”
The Abdallah Temple was chartered March 28, 1887. In 1910 the Abdallah Shrine purchased the old Crawford Grand Opera House, originally erected in 1880. Located at the corner of Shawnee Street, south side, between fifth and sixth streets, it was extensively overhauled and became the well-known Shrine Temple until 1921. In 1921, a new Temple was erected on the lots just west of the original one. At a cost of approximately $200,000, the stage was an integral feature to the building with the new scenery from Universal Scenic Studio of St. Paul, Minnesota.
The Shrine was known as the playground of Freemasonry. After a Mason’s arduous study in the Blue Lodge (first three degrees of Freemasonry), he continued his study of the Craft in either the York Rite or Scottish Rite. This labor was a pre-requisite to joining the Shrine, although not any more. However, even in 1921 there was an option if men didn’t want to take the time or money to join the York or Scottish Rite that culminated in the Shrine; they joined a the Grotto. For those Masons not interested in the continued study in the Scottish Rite or York Rite, the Mystic Order of the Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm (M.O.V.P.E.R. Grotto) was an option and considered the “poor man’s Shrine.” Back to Leavenworth and Abdallah Temple.
1921, Abdallah membership reached 4,500 with its jurisdiction extending over nineteen counties in the northeastern part of Kansas. At this time, Abdallah Shrine maintained a band and a patrol unit at Leavenworth, with ceremonials held several times during the year; Abdallah events drew in large numbers of men from Leavenworth and the surrounding districts. The Abdallah Shrine even owned the park southwest of the city, formerly known as the Leavenworth County Fair Association Park. The park included bathhouses, a dancing pavilion, racetrack and other places of amusement, a perfect gathering location for Masons and their families.
To be continued…
