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JAFFA SHRINERS HISTORY:

The dream of forming Jaffa Temple began to unfold in the late 19th century among a number of Nobles who held membership in Syria Shrine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. By 1902 there were about 200 Nobles residing in the Altoona Area and it was this group that met and formed the Altoona Shrine Club on October 23, 1902.

The dream of a Shrine Center in Altoona started to show realism in early 1903 with the Charter being granted on July 9, 1903. The charter outlined Jaffa’s jurisdiction as follows: Counties of Blair, Potter, Cameron, Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Jefferson, Cambria, Huntingdon, Mifflin, Fulton and Bedford and to the jurisdictional lines between Syria Temple in Pittsburgh and Jaffa in counties of Somerset, Westmoreland and Indiana, and concurrent jurisdiction with Zem Zem of Erie in Elk County. Jaffa’s jurisdiction extends from the New York to Maryland line, east to Lewistown and west to Blairsville.

The newly constituted Jaffa Shrine had no permanent home. On June 26, 1909 ground for a new Shrine Center was broken at 709-711 Chestnut Avenue. The new Shrine Center was dedicated on August 25, 1910 with the induction of 111 new novices and the formation of the Jaffa Improvement Association.

As Jaffa’s membership grew, the Shrine Center on Chestnut Avenue to seemed to get smaller. On June 1, 1928 ground was once again broken for our present facility on Broad Avenue.
The current Shrine Center Facility was dedicated on September 25, 1930 celebrating 27 years of growth and development.

Supporting Jaffa Shrine are 17 marching units, 16 shrine clubs, the Altoona Valley or the Ancient Order Scottish Rites, and many Masonic Lodges throughout the 16 county jurisdictions.

The Jaffa Shrine Center is a mid-eastern designed architectural landmark within downtown Altoona.

Our Facility is currently used for all shrine functions plus civic events, concerts, banquets, trade shows and much more.

UPCOMING 2026 EVENTS AT THE JAFFA:

Be sure to check out our events page for upcoming events at the Jaffa Shrine. 

Become a Jaffa Shriner. Learn more here.