![]() The story goes that Flor ence attended a party given by an Arabian diplomat and suggested a near-Eastern theme for the new fraternit y. The Shriners began in 1870, when a group of masons discussed starting a fraternity that focused on fellowship more than ritual. It ’s a fraternity based on fun activities and philanthropy and is known for it s founding of the Shriners Children’s Hospital. The Minneapolis center was founded in 1923 and is the largest in the Midwest region, with over 2, 000 members. The Shrine’s philanthropy eventually expanded to 22 “Centers of Excellence.This fez from Hennepin History Museum’s collection belonged to a member of the Zuhrah Shriners, a Twin Cities chapter of the Shriner International fraternity. In 1920, however, the organization voted to adopt its own official philanthropy, dedicated to providing free orthopaedic medical care to children in need, and the first Shriners Hospital was built in Shreveport, LA., in 1922. The Shrine supported various charities almost from its inception. Though the Shrine is not itself a secret society, it still retains much of the mysticism and secrecy of its origins. When Florence returned to the States, Fleming agreed, and together they created elaborate rituals, designed the emblem and costumes, and formulated the salutation. ![]() Florence realized this might be the ideal vehicle for the new fraternity, and he made copious notes and drawings of the ceremony. At the end of the party, the guests became members of a secret society. As the legend goes, Florence attended a party in Marseilles, France, hosted by an Arabian diplomat. It is believed that Florence conceived the Shrine’s Near Eastern setting while on tour in Europe. Fleming and Florence realized the fledging fraternity needed a colorful, exciting backdrop. It was tied to an Arabic theme by its founders, Billy Florence, an actor, and Walter Fleming, a physician. The Shrine is as American as baseball, hot dogs and apple pie. Where did the Shrine’s Near-Eastern Theme Come From? Only when a Master Mason has proven proficiency in the Third Degree can he petition to become a Noble of the Mystic Shrine. After that, he can belong to many other organizations which have their roots in Masonry and which have Blue Lodge Masonry as a prerequisite. A man is a fully accepted “Blue Lodge” Mason after he has received and proved proficiency in the first three degrees, known as Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft and Master Mason. A man must seek admission of his own free will. ![]() What are the Steps to Becoming a Shrine Mason?Įvery Shriner is first a Mason: however, in many parts of North America, Masonry does not solicit members. 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”. Founded in New York City in 1872, the organization is composed solely of Master Masons, 32nd degree Scottish Rite Masons or Knights Templar York Rite Masons. The Shrine is an international fraternity of approximately 300,000 members who belong to Shrine Temples throughout the world. ![]() 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”.Shriners, or Shrine Masons, belong to Shriners International, formerly known as the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (A.A.O.N.M.S.) for North America. Shriners, or Shrine Masons, belong to Shriners International, formerly known as the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (A.A.O.N.M.S.) for North America.
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