Shriners International is a fraternity based on fun, fellowship and the Masonic principles of brotherly love, relief and truth. There are nearly 200,000 members of Shriners International in over 22 countries. To become a Shriner, one must first be a Master Mason in good standing with a Lodge under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of their home state.
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What is a Shriner?
A Shriner is a member of the Shrine of North America, an international fraternity that supports 22 Shriners Hospitals for Children. Shrine membership is by invitation only and requires a minimum of two years as a Master Mason in good standing with a lodge under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Freemasonry.
Shriners are known for their fun-loving nature and involvement in various community philanthropies, most notably their support of Shriners Hospitals for Children. The hospitals, which provide free care to children with burns, orthopedic conditions, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate regardless of the family’s ability to pay, are located across North America and treat nearly 1 million patients each year.
In addition to supporting the hospitals, Shrine members also participate in a number of other charitable causes.
A Brief History
In 1872, a group of Freemasons in New York City founded the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, more commonly known as Shriners International. The organization was created for fun and fellowship, and it quickly grew in popularity among Freemasons across North America. Today, there are more than 200,000 Shriners in over 190 temples (or chapters) across the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the Republic of Panama.
Shriners International is a spin-off from Freemasonry, and shares many similar traditions and rituals. Freemasonry is a centuries-old fraternity with roots in the medieval stonemasons’ guilds. Like Shriners International, Freemasonry is a brotherhood that promotes philanthropy and goodwill among its members. In order to become a Shriner, one must first be a Freemason.
The Shriners’ Mission
The Shriners’ mission is to improve the quality of life for children through programs and services that help them reach their full potential. The organization does this by supporting research and providing care for children with special needs. Additionally, the Shriners work to raise awareness about important issues affecting children and families.
The Shriners have a long history of helping children in need. Founded in 1872, the organization was originally established to provide care for orphans of Freemasons. Today, the Shriners operate a network of 22 hospitals across the United States and Canada. These hospitals provide specialized care for children with burn injuries, cleft lip and palate, spinal cord injuries, and other conditions.
The Shriners also support research initiatives aimed at improving the lives of children.
Becoming a Shriner:
Qualifications
To become a Shriner, you must first be a Master Mason in good standing with a Lodge that is recognized by the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine for North America. You must also be nominated by two current Shriners. Once you have been accepted, you will go through an induction ceremony where you will take an oath and be given a fez.
There are no specific age, race, or religious requirements to become a Shriner. However, all Shriners must believe in God and be of good moral character.
Steps to take
Shriners International is a fraternity based on fun, fellowship and the Masonic principles of brotherly love, relief and truth. There are approximately 350,000 members in Shriners International, which is comprised of 191 Shrine Centers located in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Panama. To become a Shriner, you must first be a Freemason.
If you are not currently a Freemason, but would like to become one and eventually a Shriner, here are some steps to take:
First, consult with a Master Mason that you know and trust about your desire to become a Freemason. He will be able to provide more information on what is involved in joining as well as answer any questions you may have.
The Application Process
The first step to becoming a Shriner is to fill out an application. The application can be found on the Shrine website and must be completed in full. Once the application is received, it will be reviewed by the Membership Committee. If the applicant is deemed qualified, they will be invited to attend an orientation meeting.
At the orientation meeting, the applicant will learn more about the organization and what is expected of members. They will also have an opportunity to ask any questions they may have. After the meeting, the applicant will be given a membership packet to take home and review.
The packet includes information on dues, event calendar, and a list of clubs and activities that Shriners are involved in. It is important for applicants to read through this information carefully before making a decision to join.