![]() For instance, many of the Shriners can be seen wearing red fezzes that are commonly seen within countries across the Muslim world. Many people think the Shriners is in some way linked to Islam, primarily as a result of the fact there is some Islam-related symbolism within the Temples and various regalia of the organization. One of their most high-profile events is the annual East-West Shrine Game, a college football all-star game that is played out in front of thousands of spectators every year. In addition to the parades, the Shriners are committed to community service and have contributed to many public projects throughout America. While they are fun events for Masons, they are also profile-raising for the organization and help people become aware of their existence and understand the charitable cause they work so tirelessly to support. These parades can look a little odd to outsiders, as they often include grown men traveling the streets in small, lawn-mower motor-powered cars. What about the fun and social side of the Shriners?Īs mentioned, the Shriners exists to facilitate fun and sociable experiences for Masons while focusing on raising money for the Shriners hospitals across North America, Canada, and Mexico.Ĭentral to the ‘fun’ of the Shriners Temples, parade units are responsible for promoting a positive Shriner image to the public by participating in local parades. Shriners hospitals can be found all over America, from Portland, Oregon to Tampa, Florida. Until 2012, care provided at Shriners Hospitals was 100% free, although they had to start charging insurance companies shortly after due to decreases in their endowment. What’s remarkable about the Shriners hospitals is that they are inclusive, and there is no requirement for religion, race, or even relationship to a Shriner for children to be treated within the named hospitals. “Any child under the age of 18 can be admitted to hospital if, in the opinion of the doctors, the child can be treated.” The Shriners charitable mission for these facilities is to the point: Their charitable arm is the Shriners Hospitals for Children, a network of 22 healthcare facilities that are supported by the organization. Shriners are well-known and highly respected for their incredibly charitable work across North America, Mexico, and Canada. Calling them ‘ temples’ may be a little misleading, as they are more like convention centers formed by several units from within. ![]() ![]() Before 2000, you had to complete either the Scottish or York Rite systems, but this has been revised.Įvery Shriner temple is decorated in a Middle Eastern style where members meet, and they draw members from all over, as they are less common than traditional Masonic lodges. Shriners follow Masonic rituals and ceremonies the same as other Masons, and to become a Shriner you need to be a Master Mason. What is the objective of the Shriners?įundamentally, the Shriners has grown to become an active, fun, and socially-oriented organization within Freemasonry. The following year, they welcomed eleven initiates into their group, and they adopted a Middle Eastern theme through the establishment of several temples across New York City.īy 1875, there were 43 Shriners in the organization, and throughout the remainder of the nineteenth century, they grew to reach 55,000 members across 82 temples by 1990. At the conclusion of the party, members joined a secret society, and it is thought that from this experience, Florence developed the idea for the Shriners.įlorence and Fleming formally established the Shriners in 1870, and they created the ritual, emblem, and costumes soon after. William Florence was a world-renowned actor at the time, and while he was on tour in Marseille, he was invited to a party hosted by an Arab diplomat. Florence who acted upon the idea and took it seriously. The idea for a fun Masonic branch is thought to have its roots in 1870 Manhattan when several thousand Masons lunched at the Knickerbocker Cottage.
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