Mother Mosque of America, Historic mosque in Cedar Rapids, United States
The Mother Mosque of America is a religious building in Cedar Rapids with a white exterior and simple rectangular form. Inside, the prayer hall, classrooms, and document archive occupy the straightforward layout.
The building was constructed in 1934 by Lebanese and Syrian immigrants to serve their religious community. They established the first purpose-built mosque in North America through this project.
The prayer hall remains a living space where the community gathers regularly, and visitors can observe how the simple interior design supports devotional practices. The building reflects the values of its founding members through its modest architectural choices.
Visitors can arrange guided tours through the Islamic Center of Cedar Rapids to learn about the building and religious practices. It helps to contact ahead to find the best time for a visit.
The center's archive holds photographs and documents that record Muslim arrival and settlement across the Midwest over many decades. This collection shows how an early Muslim community developed in America.
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