Saint Joseph the Worker College to repurpose Masonic temple into shrine

Saint Joseph the Worker College plans to renovate a former Masonic temple in Steubenville, Ohio, into a Catholic shrine, a public theater, and a restaurant. The college has signed a purchase agreement to buy the property from the Freemasons of Steubenville in January 2027.

Spokesperson Wes Cimmarrusti told EWTN News that the project follows daily prayer walks by the college's founder and president, Jacob Imam. Cimmarrusti attributed the opportunity to buy the building to the intercession of St. Joseph.

The college has raised $1 million toward the project and needs an additional $3 million to complete the renovations. Once finished, the building will feature a 500 seat auditorium for academic lectures, civic ceremonies, and artistic performances. The site will also house a restaurant and a shrine containing a replica of the Shroud of Turin.