Zembo Shrine

Zembo History

ZEMBO SHRINE, constituted on Wednesday, October 12, 1904 at the old Lyceum Theatre on Locust Street, Harrisburg, PA was the 93rd Shrine Temple to be chartered by Imperial Council, AAONMS. Its original jurisdiction, which still stands to this day, consists of the counties of Dauphin, Cumberland, York, Adams, Franklin, Lebanon, Perry, Juniata and the concurrent jurisdiction with Rajah Shrine of Reading in Lancaster County. The Chestnut Street Hall and the City Grays Armory were meeting places of Zembo throughout its early life.

Zembo’s first Potentate was Ill. Sir Col. William F. Richardson, an officer in the Pennsylvania National Guard. The growth in activities and membership of the Harrisburg Masonic Shriners, had by the end of the 1920’s resulted in the demand for a grand new facility. One of the truly outstanding architectural buildings in the Harrisburg area, Zembo Temple was built in the years 1928 – 1929 and dedicated on May 19, 1930. Previously, its cornerstone was laid on April 4, 1929 by Grand Master J. Wilson Smith of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. Although, the Shrine is not a reproduction of any existing building, the architect, Charles Howard Lloyd stated that he “dipped deeply into the spirit of the North African styles” and here and there are instances of an especially beautiful Moroccan detail. The interior design includes examples of beautiful Moroccan influenced arches, chandeliers and ornate hand-painted motifs. The estimated cost at building was one million dollars. Today, it’s value exceeds seven and a half million.

The Potentate at the time of dedication was Illustrious Sir William C. Fisher, who served for two years as Potentate during the erection and dedication of the Shrine. It’s dedication culminating almost 26 years of effort by a group of men determined to contribute to the history of the city, state and country and to our Masonic and Shrine heritage. It all started when 294 Shriners of the Harrisburg area affixed their names to a petition for the establishment of the Zembo Shrine in Harrisburg. The petition was approved and a Charter was granted on July 4th 1904, only 32 years after the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine was activated and established. Zembo was the 92nd Shrine to be constituted in the Organization. At the close of its first day it boasted 487 members. It now has over 3,500 members and is the 22nd largest of the 191 Shrines in North America.

The origin of the name Zembo remains a mystery. Its meaning was determined in 1977 when Nobles of the Shrine did research to establish the meaning and origination of the title “Zembo”. During the research, it was necessary to learn the hieroglyphics of the ancient Egyptian language. This research determined and confirmed that the meaning is that of “Water Spirit”. Confirmation was made by the Metropolitan Museum and the Smithsonian Institute of the United States and the Papyrus Institute of Cairo, Egypt.

Today, the Zembo Shrine is still an active location for Shrine events, as well as, now open to the public for event rentals, such as club or organization meetings, fundraisers, weddings, banquets, concerts, sporting events, proms, and other such functions. Rental tours are by appointment. Non-profit and Masonic discounts are offered on room rentals for those
who qualify. The Zembo Shrine is located next to the Scottish Rite Cathedral, Italian Lake, the Susquehanna River and just a short drive to Interstates 81 & 83, the State Capitol Complex, the Farm Show Arena, the Crowne Plaza, Hilton Harrisburg & Towers, and other local hotels and area attractions.