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What is Masonry and what is the 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 the time when stonemasons and other craftsmen 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 known as the Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft and Master Mason. There is no higher degree than that of Master Mason (the Third Degree).
After he becomes a Master Mason, he can belong to many other organizations which have their roots in Masonry and which have Blue Lodge Masonry as a prerequisite. Only when a man has achieved the status of Master Mason can he petition to become a Noble of the Shrine of North America.
What is a Shriner
Shriners, or Shrine Masons, belong to the fraternity known as Shriners International). The Shrine is an international fraternity of approximately 525,000 members who belong to Shrine Temples throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Panama, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines. The fraternity was 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, Shriners Hospitals for Children, which is often called “the heart and soul of the Shrine.”
What Is The Relationship Between The Shrine And Shiners Hospitals?
In a unique interdependent relationship, the Shrine and Shiners Hospitals are separate corporations but inseparable. The Shiners International Fraternity supports the Shiners Hospitals in many ways.
Every patient at Shriners Hospitals is sponsored by a Shriner, who acts as a liaison between the family and the hospital. Shrine Temples and clubs often help arrange provide for transportation for children and parents to the hospitals, and thousands of Shriners spend many hours of their own time driving families to the hospitals and entertaining the patients. In addition, the Shrine helps support the hospitals financially including the hospital assessment each Shriner pays annually. Shrine Temples and clubs hold many fund-raisers, some of which benefit Shriners Hospitals for Children.
The fraternity and the philanthropy, however, are legally and financially separate – the fraternity is incorporated in the state of Iowa, and the philanthropy is incorporated in the state of Colorado. The funds of the two entities are kept entirely separate and are audited by independent auditors on an individual basis. In addition, Shrine Temples are incorporated as chapters of the fraternity and are audited individually.
What are Shriners Hospitals and how did they come into being?
The Shriners Hospitals for Children is a network of nineteen othopedic three burn hospitals, founded by the Shriners international, where children under the age of 18 receive excellent medical care regardless of patients ability to pay. Shriners Hospitals are located throughout North American continent, with 20 hospitals in the United States and one each in Mexico and Canada.
The Shriners supported various charities almost from its inception. In 1920, however, the organization voted to adopt its own official philanthropy, dedicated to providing free orthopedic medical care to children in need, and the first Shriners Hospital was built in Shreveport, La., in 1922. The Shrine’s philanthropy eventually expanded to 22 “Centers Of Excellence,” which have treated over 865,000 children since their creation.
What is total Shrine membership?
Approximately 392,000
How many Shrine Centers are there?
There are 193 Shrine Centers, or chapters, throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico the Republic of Panama, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines.
What is the purpose of Shriners Hospitals for children?
Shriners Hospitals have a three-fold purpose:
1) TREATMENT: To save children’s lives and restore their bodies to the highest level of usefulness;
2) RESEARCH: To conduct research into orthopaedic and burn care; and
3) EDUCATION: To train physicians and other medical professionals in the treatment of orthopedic disabilities and burn injuries.
Why do Shriners wear a Fez?
The red fez with a black tassel, the Shrine’s most distinctive symbol, has been handed down through the ages. It derives its name from the place where it was first manufactured — the holy city of Fez, Morocco. The fez was chosen as part of the Shrine’s Arabic (Near-Eastern) theme, around which the color and pageantry of the Shrine are developed.
Where Did The Shrine’s Near-Eastern Theme Come From?
The Shrine is as American as baseball, hot dogs and apple pie. It was tied to an Arabic theme by its founders, Billy Florence, an actor, and William Fleming, a physician. Both men wanted to create a fraternity where Mason’s, men of like beliefs, could have fun. Fleming and Florence realized the fledgling fraternity needed a colorful, exciting backdrop. It is believed that Florence conceived the Shrine’s Near Eastern setting while on tour in Europe.
As the legend goes, Florence attended a party in Marseilles, France, hosted by an Arabian diplomat. At the end of the party, the guests became members of a secret society. Florence realized this might be the ideal vehicle for the new fraternity, and he made copious notes and drawings of the ceremony. When Florence returned to the States, Fleming agreed, and together they created elaborate rituals, designed the emblem and costumes, and formulated the salutation.
How do I become a Mason?
You need to contact us and provide us with your contract information and a member will get back to you.
What are the benefits of becoming a Shriner?
• Membership in a well-known fraternal organization recognized for its social and philanthropic activities.
• Opportunity to develop lasting friendships with others from all walks of life
• A variety of social activities available for the entire family and many special-interest groups to meet individual interests
• The privilege of being part of the “Worlds Greatest Philanthropy,” offering Shriners many opportunities to find personal fulfillment and satisfaction through supporting Shriners Hospitals for Children.
How do I become A Shriner?
You first need to join another Fraternity, which is the world’s oldest and largest and is known as the Freemasons.You need to contact us and provide us with your contract information and a member will get back to you.
How Do I join the Shrine Club?
Use this contact form and someone will get back to you as soon as possible.
Do you have a question that we did not answer here?
Contact us and provide us with your contract information and a member will get back to you.
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