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Shrine
Mason
Shriners,
or Shrine Masons, belong to the Ancient Arabic Order of the
Nobles of the Mystic Shrine for North America (A.A.O.N.M.S.).
The Shrine is an international Fraternity of approximately
500,000 members who belong to Shrine Centers throughout the
United States, Canada, Mexico and Republic of Panama. Founded in
New York City in 1872, the organization is composed solely of
Master Masons.
The
Shrine is best known for its colorful parades, its distinctive
red fez, and its official philanthropy, the Shriners Hospitals
for Children, which is often called "the heart and soul of
the Shrine."
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).
The
Founders of the Shrine 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 Centers and its
activities. There are also regional Shrine Clubs in many
communities. Family picnics, dances and scheduled day trips are
-- just a few of the activities available to club members. For
the Noble desiring even more activity, there are various Units
that he can join, such as: Motor Patrol, Brass Band, Oriental
Band, Motor Patrol, Horse Patrol, and Clown unit. Every effort
is made to be sure a Noble has a variety of activities from
which he may choose.
There
are 191 Shrine Centers located in the United States, Canada,
Mexico and the Republic of Panama. And there are informal Shrine
Clubs located all around the world.
What
is Masonry and What is its Connection to the Shrine?
In order to
become a Shriner, a man must first be a Mason. The fraternity of Freemasonry is
the oldest, largest and most widely known fraternity in the world. It dates back
hundreds of years to when stonemasons and other craftsmen on building projects
gathered in shelter houses, or lodges. Over the years, formal Masonic lodges
emerged, with members bound together not by trade, but by their own desire to be
fraternal brothers.
The basic unit of
Masonry is the Blue Lodge, where members earn the first three Masonic degrees.
There is no higher degree than that of Master Mason (the Third Degree), but for
those men who wish to further explore the allegory and symbolism learned in the
Blue Lodge, the Scottish Rite and York Rite elaborate on the basic tenets of
Freemasonry.
Membership
Requirements
If you hold the
Master Mason degree in Freemasonry, you qualify and are invited to join the
Shrine. A man receives the three degrees known as the Entered Apprentice, Fellow
Craft and Master Mason Degrees in the Masonic Lodge, often known as the Symbolic
Lodge, Blue Lodge or Craft Lodge. In Freemasonry, there is no higher degree than
that of Master Mason (the Third Degree).
In many parts of
North America, Masonry does not solicit members. In these areas, a man must seek
admission of his own free will — he must ask. In some areas, Masons are
permitted to solicit new members. But, in all cases, a man interested in
becoming a Mason, should consult a friend whom he believes to be a Freemason to
secure his good counsel and recommendation concerning this important
undertaking.
For 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.
The Shrine of North
America is a fraternity that grew out of Freemasonry over a century ago. Because
of this, the Shrine is dedicated to Masonic principles. The Shrine Fraternity
provides Masonic brothers a means to widen the fellowship first enjoyed in the
Blue Lodge. It also offers men, their wives and their families an opportunity to
meet new friends who have similar interests, tastes and feelings.
For
more information about membership, go to our MEMBERSHIP
page.
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