Webb City in Jasper County, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
The Praying Hands
Photographed by Jason Voigt, September 19, 2026
1. The Praying Hands Marker
'71 • Conception • About the Project
On August 9, 1971, the Webb City Park Board authorized an agreement between the City of Webb City and the Webb City Historical Society for the installation of the Praying Hands status at the northwest corner of King Jack Park. The idea was conceived by Jack Dawson, a young artist native to Webb City. The project was made possible by the support of Mayor Robert Patrick and Reverend Alfred Jenkins, the Historical Society Chairman, as well as donations from the community. Approximately three thousand dollars was raised to pay for materials to build the statue, and to install the lighting and landscaping around the statue.
The statue took approximately two years to complete. During the first year, Dawson and his Uncle Loren Lynn, an industrial welder, built the steel base. After creating a scale model, they prepared a superstructure out of ten-inch beams and metal lathe. Steel supports were driven deep into the ground, and steel rods were placed throughout the structure. All of the steel was erected in the backyard of 811 West Third Street, the first home of Jack and Nancy Dawson.
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It was moved by crane and flatbed truck to its permanent home at King Jack Park. Dawson, with the help of workers from Greenwood Plastering Company began layering plaster concrete on the structure. Dawson artistically molded the veins, knuckles and nails so they would depict the hands of an everyday, hardworking laborer. The statue stands at thirty-two feet tall, and weighs one hundred and ten tons. It was dedicated on April 28, 1974.
About the Artist
Jack Dawson was born in Webb City as a fourth generation Webb Citian. The 21-year-old, young father was finishing his art degree and beginning his teaching career when he conceived the Praying Hands. Dawson also created the Kneeling Miner statue located in King Jack Park and has continued as a well-known artist.
'72-73 • Construction • Motivation for the Project
Jack Dawson was finishing his art studies at Missouri Southern State College and beginning his career as an art teacher at Webb City High School during the increasing protests with the Vietnam War. Many Americans were clinging to symbols of peace, and Jack Dawson was interested in providing a symbol of spiritual values
Photographed by Jason Voigt, September 19, 2026
2. The Praying Hands Marker
"I felt that what we need is peace(…) but I know that if we get peace, we're going to have to pray for it," explained Dawson. "I just wanted to do something that would be an everlasting reminder to the passing public to stop and pray."
'74 • Dedication • Community Reaction
The Praying Hands statue has been a symbol of peace and strength in Webb City since 1974. Webb City Chamber of Commerce immediately began receiving letters of support and encouragement from people who found the sculpture a welcome relief from the tensions of the day. There was extensive newspaper coverage about the installation throughout the Midwest. During the dedication ceremony in 1974, U.S. Congressman Gene Taylor stated, "Prayer can be the strength of the individual. It is one of the simple necessities of life."
Today, the Praying Hands statue is seen by travelers from all over the world, and is a major attraction for those visitors passing along Route 66, the historic Mother Road. Many comments are received reflecting on the original message, "Hands in Prayer, World in Peace."
Captions:
·Volunteers
Photographed by Jason Voigt, September 19, 2026
3. The Praying Hands sculpture
·Jack Dawson sculpting a miniature model of the Praying Hands.
·Donations from many organizations and individuals funded the project. Here, Dawson is presented with a check from Mrs. Betty Lundstrom and Mrs. Geneva Craig from the Webb City Boys Club.
·Dawson's uncle, Loren Lynn, helping build the steel understructure in Dawson's backyard.
·Dedication Ceremony, April 28, 1974
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Parks & Recreational Areas • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical date for this entry is April 28, 1974.
Location. 37° 8.379′ N, 94° 27.953′ W. Marker is in Webb City, Missouri, in Jasper County. It is on Dawson Drive north of South Pennsylvania Avenue, on the left when traveling north. Marker is located at King Jack Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 514 S Pennsylvania Ave, Webb City MO 64870, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Southwest Missouri. It is also in the American Lewis & Clark Corridor and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, the Louisiana Purchase, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Number 1 Gun (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Military Order of The Purple Heart (about 500 feet away); Southwest Missouri Electric Railway Company (about 700 feet away); Webb City (about 700 feet away); The Kneeling Miner (approx. 0.2 miles away); Prosperity Junction Station and Street Car #60 (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Red Caboose (approx. 0.2 miles away); Jane Chinn House (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Webb City.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 25, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 25, 2026, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 4 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 25, 2026, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.
