Shriners are distinguished by an enjoyment of life and a commitment to philanthropy. The fraternity of Freemasonry is the oldest, largest and most widely known fraternity in the world. It dates back hundreds of years to the time when stonemasons and other craftsmen gathered in shelter houses or lodges. Over the years, formal Masonic lodges emerged, with members bound together not by trade, but by
their own desire to be fraternal brothers. Only when a man has achieved the sublime status of Master Mason can he petition to become a Noble, that is to say a member of the Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. What you cannot experience, unless you are a Shriner, is the camaraderie, deep friendships, good fellowship and great times shared by all Shriners. Other affiliated Masonic organizations include the Ancient and Accepted Rite of Freemasonry (Southern Jurisdiction, U.S.A., Northern Jurisdiction, U.S.A and Canada) and the York Rite including Royal Arch Masons and the Commandery of the Knights Templar.
