Credit: https://www.shrinersinternational.org/

The Ancient Arabic Order Nobles Of The Mystic Shrine, or short-form ‘The Shriners’, are a fraternity defined by fun, fellowship, and philanthropy. According to the Shriner’s official website:

“Shriners International is a fraternity based on fun, fellowship, and the Masonic principles of brotherly love, relief, and truth. With nearly 200 local chapters and thousands of clubs on six continents, Shriners are known for their fellowship, brotherhood, compassion, and generosity. The fraternity established Shriners Hospitals for Children as its official philanthropy in 1922, and continues to support it today while striving to make the world a happier, better place.”

“Shriners International helps good men become better leaders, husbands, fathers, friends, and community contributors. Brotherhood is the cultural foundation that distinguishes our fraternity from other groups and associations. When you become a Shriner, you join a network of nearly 200,000 brothers around the globe who are dedicated to helping and supporting each other personally and professionally.”

Two Master Masons, Walter M. Fleming, M.D., and William J. “Billy” Florence, a well-known actor, founded Shriners International in 1872. Legend has it that Florence was inspired while attending an Arabian-themed party in Marseilles, France, during a time when the mystique of the near East was fashionable worldwide. He was intrigued and impressed by the colorful pageantry and suggested the fraternity adopt a Near-Eastern theme, and Dr. Fleming agreed.

This decision influenced the imagery, attire, activities, and naming conventions of the fraternity; many of which are still used today. For example, Shriners wear distinctive red fezzes as their official headgear. Local Shrine Centers have names like Egypt, Sahara, Morocco, and Oasis. Images used in the fraternity’s regalia include camels, pyramids, the Sphinx, and other ancient Egyptian and Arabian iconography.

From U.S. Presidents to famous actors, business owners, and blue-collar workers, men representing a broad range of backgrounds and life experiences have been Shriners throughout the fraternity’s 150 years. While Shriners International is an organization rich in history and tradition, it is also evolving and advancing as new generations of members with different interests and cultures join us. Our Shrine Centers encourage members to build their own membership experience, customizing their fraternal involvement to reflect their personality and hobbies. While there are a variety of existing activity-based clubs and units to choose from, that list is continuously expanding as members bring their new ideas of ways to have fun to fruition.

Shriners International is a social organization with a strong focus on family, and our Shrine Centers host events that include spouses, children, grandchildren, and community members. Many members and their families say that they have formed lifelong friendships through their involvement in the fraternity. The bond of brotherhood connects nobles as they navigate through life together, lending strength and compassion in hard times, and fun and fellowship through the years.

In 1922, fueled by their desire to make a difference in the world, Shriners founded their own philanthropy, Shriners Hospitals for Children, now commonly known as Shriners Children’s. Over the past century, it has become one of the largest pediatric sub-specialty healthcare systems in the world with locations in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. An exclusive benefit as a Shriner is the opportunity to serve in several meaningful and mission-critical roles in support of Shriners Children’s.

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Founded in 1872, the organization now known as Shriners International was established as a Masonic fraternity that showcased fun and fellowship for its members. The tradition of fun and fellowship thrives today; as interests have changed through the years, Shriners’ approach to fun has evolved as new members bring in fresh perspectives and creative ideas.

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Shriners are a fraternity of men committed to making an even greater difference in the world through brotherhood, family, fun, and philanthropy.

Shriners International is a brotherhood of men of great character, compassion, and strong values who are committed to family, fellowship, and making the world a better place. We seek to attract men of different backgrounds, career paths, ages, and interests, and the unique ideas, beliefs, and perspectives they bring to our global Shriners family. Our members are known for their loyalty, camaraderie, and their steadfast support of each other and their communities in times of need. We have members on six continents, so essentially, you can go anywhere in the world, and you will always have a friend and a brother.

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