A striking symbol of faith and community pride now draws visitors from across the region to Webb City, where the World’s Largest Praying Hands Memorial stands tall above the landscape. This monumental sculpture crafted from steel and concrete and weighing an estimated 110 tons soars 32 feet high atop a 40‑foot man‑made hill, making it one of the most impressive prayer‑themed landmarks in the United States.
Conceived and built in the early 1970s by local artist J.E. “Jack” Dawson, the colossal hands were first dedicated on April 28, 1974, after years of work and broad community support. The sculpture depicts two giant hands clasped in prayer a powerful visual tribute to spiritual reflection and unity.
Situated in King Jack Park, the memorial offers not only a remarkable photo opportunity but also a place of quiet contemplation. A mural added in 2020 recounts the hands’ creation and reinforces the artwork’s message of hope.
The hands stand as a testament to Webb City’s community spirit and artistic ambition, drawing locals and road‑trippers alike who pause to admire the towering tribute and reflect on its message: “Hands in prayer. World in peace.”
While the largest bronze praying hands a separate sculpture measuring 60 feet tall at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma hold the world record for scale and material, Webb City’s memorial remains a beloved example of roadside art and spiritual symbolism in the heart of the Midwest.
