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Every Shriner is
a Mason
Members of the Ancient Arabic
Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine for North America are members of the Masonic Order and
adhere to the principles of Freemasonry - Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth.
Freemasonry dates back hundreds
of years to when stonemasons and other craftsmen on building projects gathered in shelter
houses or lodges. Through the years these gatherings changed in many ways until
formal Masonic lodges emerged, with members bound together not by trade, but by their own
wishes to be fraternal brothers.
There is no higher degree in
Freemasonry than that of Master Mason (the Third Degree). However, for those men who would
like to receive additional instruction and explanation regarding the allegory and
symbolism learned in the Masonic Lodge, the Scottish Rite or the York Rite bodies
elaborate on the basic tenets of Freemasonry. A Mason must have achieved the
3rd degree before he can petition to become a
Noble of the Mystic Shrine.
The Shrine's hundreds of
thousands of members are distinguished by an enjoyment of life in the interest of
philanthropy. The organization has a buoyant philosophy which has been expressed as
"Pleasure without intemperance, hospitality without rudeness and jollity without
coarseness."
Thirteen Masons organized the
first Shrine Temple in 1872 - Mecca Temple in New York City. They knew they needed an
appealing theme for their new Order, so they chose the Arabic (near East) theme. The most
noticeable symbol of Shrinedom is the distinctive red fez that all Shriners wear at
official functions.
Shriners are men who enjoy life.
They enjoy parades, trips, circuses, dances, dinners, sporting events and other social
occasions together. Furthermore, Shriners support what has become known as the
"World's Greatest Philanthropy," Shriners Hospitals for Children.
Through fellowship and
philanthropy, Shrinedom strengthens the soul and adds inner meaning to daily life. It thus
spreads a glow of joy through one's entire family.
Men from all walks of life and
all levels of income find fun, fellowship and relaxation in their individual Shrine Temple
and its activities. There are also regional Shrine Clubs in many communities, family
picnics, dances and scheduled trips to near and far - to mention just a few of the
activities available.
For the Noble desiring even more
activity, there are various Units that he can join, such as drum & bugle corps,
Oriental bands, motor patrols, horse patrols and clown units. Every effort is made to be
sure a Shriner has a variety of activities he can choose from.
There are 191 Shrine Temples
located throughout the Canada, United States, Mexico and the Republic of Panama, and there
are informal Shrine Clubs all around the world.
Shriners Hospitals
for Children
Throughout its history, the
Shrine has always been involved in charitable endeavours. However, in the early 1920's, the
membership decided to develop and support an official philanthropy. They fulfilled this
desire by establishing Shriners Hospitals for Children.
Today, the Shrine operates 18
orthopaedic hospitals, three Shriners Burns Institutes, and one hospital that provides
orthopaedic, burn and spinal cord injury care, where children receive excellent medical
care, absolutely free, regardless of race, religion or relationship to a Shriner.
Since 1922, Shriners have
substantially improved the quality of life for more than half a million children with
orthopaedic problems and burn injuries. Millions more have benefited as recipients of
treatments and techniques developed at Shriners Hospitals. Back To
Muskoka Shrine Main Page
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