Members of the Ancient Arabic Order of the 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 is the
oldest, largest, and most widely known fraternal
organization in the world. It dates back hundreds of years
to when stonemasons and other craftsmen working 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.
Shriners are
distinguished by an enjoyment of life in the interest of
philanthropy. The approximately 525,000 member
organization has a buoyant philosophy which has been
expressed as "Pleasure without intemperance, hospitality
without rudeness and jollity without coarseness."
Shriners are men
who enjoy life. They enjoy parades, trips, circuses,
dances, dinners, sporting events and other social
occasions together. Furthermore, Shriners support what has
become known as the "World's Greatest Philanthropy,"
Shriners Hospitals for Children.
Through fellowship
and philanthropy, Shrinedom strengthens the soul and adds
inner meaning to daily life. It thus spreads a glow of joy
through one's entire family.
Men from all walks
of life and all levels of income find fun, fellowship, and
relaxation in their local Shrine Temple and its
activities. There are also regional Shrine Clubs in many
communities. Family picnics, dances, parties and scheduled
trips to near and far.
For the Shriner desiring even more activity, there are
various Units and Clubs that he can join. Every effort is
made to ensure that a Noble has a variety of activities
from which he may
choose.
There are
191 Shrine Temples, or chapters, located in the United
States, Canada, Mexico and the Republic of Panama.
Membership Requirements
If you hold the
Master Mason degree in Freemasonry, you qualify and are
invited to join the Shrine. A man receives the three
degrees known as the Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft and
Master Mason Degrees in the Masonic Lodge, often known as
the Symbolic Lodge, Blue Lodge or Craft Lodge. In
Freemasonry, there is no higher degree than that of Master
Mason (the third degree).
In many parts of
North America, Masonry does not solicit members. In these
areas, no one is asked to join, and a man must seek
admission of his own free will — he must ask. In some
areas, Masons are permitted to solicit new members. In all
cases, a man interested in becoming a Mason, if he has not
been asked, should consult a friend whom he believes to be
a Freemason to secure his good counsel and recommendation
concerning this important undertaking.
For men who would
like to receive additional instruction and explanation
regarding the allegory and symbolism learned in the
Masonic Lodge, the Scottish Rite or the York Rite bodies
elaborate on the basic tenets of Freemasonry.
The Shrine of North America is a fraternity that grew out
of Freemasonry over a century ago. Because of this, the
Shrine is dedicated to Masonic principles. The Shrine
Fraternity provides Masonic brothers a means to widen the
fellowship first enjoyed in the Blue Lodge. It also offers
men, their wives and their families an opportunity to meet
new friends who have similar interests, tastes and
feelings.
How to Apply
If you are a Master
Mason of a Lodge recognized and in amity with the
Conference of Grand Masters of North America, you can
petition to become a Noble of the Mystic Shrine.
Just stop in and pickup a petition for initiation and
membership at Alcazar Shrine Center at 555 Eastern Blvd,
Montgomery, Al, or call (334) 279-9174.
