(Joplin, MO) – While the City of Joplin celebrates 150 years of existence, the Joplin Scottish Rite Cathedral turns 100 years old and is hosting a big celebration on Friday, July 21 and Saturday, July 22!
The celebration is open to the public and begins at 4:00 pm on Friday, July 21 with a vintage formal fashion exhibit in the Cathedral’s Tea Room, featuring dresses, gowns, and men’s formal attire from the turn of the last century. This exhibit is presented by Dorothea B. Hoover Historical Museum and Joplin Historical Society and ends at 7:00 pm.
At 6:00 pm, there will be a Scottish Rite Dinner Theater Fundraiser, which will benefit the Cathedral’s preservation. Dinner will be served in the dining room, followed by a dramatic presentation of The Traitor Episode in the auditorium. The presentation will be performed by members of the Joplin Scottish Rite who will be in full costume as they tell the story of a well-known Revolutionary War general who betrayed his country and then sought forgiveness and redemption. The cost for the dinner theater is $25.00 and a cash bar will be available. Tickets may be purchased online here, via phone by calling 417.623.3219, or at the door.
The next morning, on July 22, there will be a grand procession featuring vintage automobiles and the Grand Lodge of Missouri, led by Grand Master Richard W. Kaeser Jr. Masonic representatives from all appended bodies of Masonry as well as local, state, and federal officials will be in attendance. The procession starts at 9:00 am at 5th Street and Byers and will head west to Sergeant, south to 6th Street, and east to Byers before ending at the Scottish Rite. The procession will honor Charles Shifferdecker, a benefactor of the Scottish Rite and will pass by his mansion, which is located at 5th and Sergeant.
After the procession, a cornerstone rededication ceremony will be conducted by Grand Master Kaeser at 10:00 am in the auditorium, followed by remarks from various officials and a short film. After this, a banquet will be held in the dining room at 12:00 pm featuring menu items that were originally served at the 1923 banquet. The cost of the meal is $2.00, reflecting the 1923 cost. The banquet is open to the public as well but available seating is limited.
Tours of the Cathedral will begin at 2:00 pm and a concert by the Kufara Marimba band will be held on the north parking lot at this time as well. Tours will run until 4:00 pm.
About Scottish Rite, Valley of Joplin:
Part of the Masonic organization with the goal of taking good men and making them better through Masonic beliefs and endeavors. A philanthropic organization with the main point of our financial efforts being “Rite Care.” This program assists children with speech and language disorders.
Reference:
Scottish Rite, Valley of Joplin
417.623.3219
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