Copyright © 2020 by Wendy Waszut-Barrett
In 1920 Thomas G. Moses wrote, “My models for the Shrine got us a good contract in Helena, Montana, something over $11,000.00.”
This was the Algeria Mosque for the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, also known as the Algeria Shrine Temple. Designed by George S. Carsley and Charles S. Haire, the building included a 17-story minuet. When the structure was completed, local newspapers announced that 3,500 individuals could fit in the auditorium (Glasgow Courier, 8 April 1921, page 2).
On Dec. 10, 1920, the “Glasgow Courier” reported, “Algeria Temple is planning one of its most important ceremonials next March, when the new mosque will be dedicated, and it is expected the officers of the imperial council will be present. In addition, invitations will be sent to many of the leading Shriners in North America. The date for the ceremonial will be announced later. It is understood a large class will be on hand for the trip over the sands at that time” (page 1).
The cornerstone laying ceremony was planned for June 19, 1920, immediately after the four-day Scottish Rite Reunion. On April 8, 1921, special trains carrying Shriners arrived in Helena for the dedication of the building (“Independent-Record,” 26 March 1921, page 9). The “Glasgow Courier” reported, “Chicago, Sioux City, Spokane, Omaha and St. Paul are sending large delegations. Great Falls, Billings, Butte, Miles City and Missoula are planning for special pullman loads of stockmen, businessmen and bankers. The Helena commercial club, which is in charge of local arrangements is expecting to take care of 1500 people” (April 8, 1921, page 2).
On April 9, the “Butte Miner” reported, “With more than 3,000 out of town members of the Mystic Shrine in attendance, the new temple of the Algeria Shrine (Helena) was dedicated today. Imperial Potentate Ellis Lewis Garretson was here from Tacoma, Wash., and officiated at the dedicatory ceremonies. A large class was initiated into the order at a ceremonial last night when the new temple was used for initiation for the first time” (April 9, 1921, page 1).
The building changed hands after extensive damage caused from an earthquake in 1935. As Shriners were unable to fund the necessary repairs, the city purchased the building by 1938.
In 1939 a fire station was added to the structure and the building became home to government departments until 1979. The Algerian Temple is now known as the Helena Civic Center. For more information about the space, visit “Helena As She Was” – http://www.helenahistory.org/civic_center.htm
To be continued…
