WEBPAGE\MASON

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 gatheredin 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, Own wishes to be fraternal brothers.
   There is no higher degree in Freemasonry but by their 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 or the York Rite bodies
elaborate on the basic tenets of Freemasonry.
   The Shrine's hundreds of thousands of members are
distinguished by an enjoyment of life in the interest of
philanthropy. The 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 new Order. so they chose the Arabic
(near East) theme. The most noticeable symbol of Shrinedom is
the distinctive red fez that all Shriners wear at official functions.
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.

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 individual Shrine Temple and
its activities. There are also regional Shrine Clubs in many
communities family picnics, dances and scheduled trips to near
and far -- to mention just a few of the activities available.
   For the Noble desiring even more activity, there are various
Units that he can join, such as drum & bugle corps. Oriental
bands, motor patrols. horse patrols. and clown units. Every
effort is made to be sure a Shriner has a variety of activities
he can choose from.
   There are 191 Shrine Temples located throughout the United
States. Canada. Mexico and the Republic of Panama. and there
are informal Shrine Clubs all around the world.
Throughout its history. the Shrine has always been involved in
charitable endeavors. However. in the early 1920s. the
membership decided to develop and support an official
philanthropy. They fulfilled this desire by establishing Shriners
Hospitals for Children.
Today. the Shrine operates 18 orthopedic hospitals, three
Shriners Burns Institutes, and one hospital that provides
orthopedic, burn and spinal cord injury care. where children
receive excellent medical care. absolutely free, regardless
of race. religion or relationship to a Shriner.
   Since 1922. Shriners have substantially improved the quality
of life for more than half a million children with orthopedic
problems and burn injuries. Millions more have benefited as
recipients of treatments and techniques developed at Shriners
Hospitals.

What is Freemasonry?

The fraternity of Freemasonry is the oldest, largest and most
widely known fraternal organization in the world.
   Freemasonry is not a secret society. nor is it an insurance
or beneficial society. It is a non-Profit fraternal organization
involved in charitable, educational and civic projects.
   Freemasonry accepts men who are found to be worthy,
regardless of religious convictions. An essential requirement
is a belief in the existence of a Supreme Being. It teaches
the "Golden Rule." It seeks to make good men better through its
firm belief in the Fatherhood of God, the Brotherhood Of man
nd the immortality of the soul.
   Masonry has no creed. no priesthood, and no plan for
salvation. Neither is it an offspring of any church, ancient or
modern. It espouses none of them nor is it subservient to any.
While Masonry does require a belief in a Supreme Being, each
Mason worships in his own fashion according to his religious
faith, whether he be Christian, Jew. Protestant. Roman Catholic,
Buddhist, or Hindu.
   The Masonic Lodge Often known as the Symbolic Lodge, Blue Lodge,
or Craft Lodge, receives and acts upon petitions for the three
degrees known as the Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft and Master
Mason Degrees.
   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

Scottish Rite

The Scottish Rite is one of the two appendant bodies of
Freemasonry in which a Master Mason may proceed after he has
completed the three degrees of Blue Lodge Masonry. Scottish
Rite work amplifies and elaborates on the lessons of Blue Lodge
degrees. As with Freemasonry, the Scottish Rite is not a
religion. and it is nondenominational, although it does require
a belief in a Supreme Being.
A Master Mason may achieve 29 degrees --the fourth through
thirty-second - in the, Scottish Rite. A 33rd Degree is bestowed
on men who have given outstanding service to Freemasonry or
to their communities The Scottish Rite, some-times called the
College of Freemasonry... Uses extensive drama and allegory to
emphasize the messages of its degrees.

York Rite

The York Rite is the other appendant body of Freemasonry in
which a Master Mason may proceed to supplement and amplify
the Blue Lodge degrees. affording historical background on the
work and meaning of Freemasonry.
The York Rite takes its name from the old English city of
York. It is said that Athelstan. a British king, was converted
to Christianity in York and that he granted the original
charter to the Masonic guilds in that city nearly a thousand
years ago. Although the York Rite is not itself a religion, it
does develop themes based on Christian Crusades.
In the York Rite. a Master Mason may become a member of three
bodies -- a chapter of Royal Arch Masons, a council of Royal
and Select Masters, and a Commandery of Knights Templar.

1999

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