What is a Shriner?
A Short History-A.A.O.N.M.S.
EVERY SHRINER IS A MASON
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). However, for those men who would like
to receive additional instruction and explanation regarding the
allegory and symbolism learned in the Masonic Lodge, the Scottish
Rite and the York Rite bodies elaborate on the basic tenets of
freemasonry. Only after a Master Mason has achieved the thirty-
second Degree of the Scottish Rite, or the Knight Templar degree
in York Rite, can he then petition to become a Noble of the
Mystic Shrine.
Shriners are distinguished by an enjoyment of life in the
interest of philanthropy. The nearly 930,000 member
organization has a buoyant philosophy, which has been expressed
as "Pleasure without intemperance, hospitality without rudeness,
and jollity without coarseness".
Thirteen Masons organized the first Shrine temple in 1872 -
Mecca Temple in New York City. They knew they needed an
appealing theme for their now order, so they chose the Arabic
(near East) theme. The most noticeable symbol of Shrinedom is
distinctive red fez that all Shriners wear at official functions.
Shriners are men who enjoy life. They enjoy parades, trips,
circuses, dances, sporting events and other social occasions
together, Furthermore, Shriners support what has become known as
the "Worlds Greatest Philanthropy," Shriner's Hospitals for
Crippled Children.
There are 185 Shrine Temples located in the United States,
Canada, Mexico, and the Republic of Panama. And there are
informal Shrine Clubs around the world.
Throughout its history, the Shrine has always been involved in
charitable endeavors. However, in the early 1920's, the
membership decided to develop this desire in the establishment of
Shriners Hospitals for Crippled Children. Today, the Shrine
operates 18 orthopedic hospitals (soon to be 19) and three burn
institutes where children (up to their 18th birthday), regardless
of race, religion, or relationship to a Shriner, receive excellent
medical care -- absolutely free!
Since 1922, Shriners have substantially improved the quality of
life for over 250,000 crippled and burned children. Millions
more have benefitted as recipients of treatments and techniques
developed at Shriners Hospitals.
The Non-Emergency telephone for information for the hospitals
is 1-800-237-5055. In an emergency, referring physicians for
burned children needing immediate care should telephone the
chief of staff at the nearest Shriners Burns Institute and indicate
that he has a patient needing emergency care.
Boston 1 617-722-3000
Cincinnatti 1 513-751-3900
Galveston 1 409-761-2516
Transportation of the patient is the responsibility of the family, but often many local Shrine Temples offer assistance.
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