A Brief Introduction
All Shriners are Freemasons, but not all Freemasons are Shriners.
Shriners International is a spin-off from Freemasonry, the oldest, largest, and most widely known fraternity in the world. Freemasonry dates back hundreds of years to when stonemasons and other craftsmen gathered after work in shelter houses, or lodges. Over time, the members organized into Masonic guilds and the tools of their trade – the square and compass – became the symbol of their brotherhood.
Freemasonry has evolved into an organization that began to accept members who were not craftsmen. Today, Freemasonry is built upon a foundation of improving character and strengthening communities, though the square and compass are still the symbols of the fraternal brotherhood.
When Shriners International was first founded in 1872, the organization built on the principles that guided Freemasonry, while adding an element of fun and ultimately, philanthropy, that set Shriners apart. The two organizations are also structured similarly:
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).
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.
Shriners International is a spin-off from Freemasonry, the oldest, largest, and most widely known fraternity in the world. Freemasonry dates back hundreds of years to when stonemasons and other craftsmen gathered after work in shelter houses, or lodges. Over time, the members organized into Masonic guilds and the tools of their trade – the square and compass – became the symbol of their brotherhood.
Freemasonry has evolved into an organization that began to accept members who were not craftsmen. Today, Freemasonry is built upon a foundation of improving character and strengthening communities, though the square and compass are still the symbols of the fraternal brotherhood.
When Shriners International was first founded in 1872, the organization built on the principles that guided Freemasonry, while adding an element of fun and ultimately, philanthropy, that set Shriners apart. The two organizations are also structured similarly:
- Shriners have temples; Freemasons have a Blue Lodge or Craft Lodge
- Members of the Masonic lodges are required to learn about their fraternity and earn a series of Masonic degrees.
- When a member has completed the third and final degree he becomes a Master Mason and is then eligible to become a Shriner.
- Additional courses of Masonic study are available – these are known as the Scottish Rite and the York Rite.
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).
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.
|
|
Additional Information |
Governing Jurisdiction |
As Yaarab Shrine is within the State of Georgia, it is under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Georgia, Free and Accepted Masons. A list of Blue Lodges, in the State of Georgia, can be found through the Grand Lodge's website. Many Blue Lodges have their own websites as well.
|
2B1 Ask1 |
Freemasonry does not solicit members. A man must seek admission of his own free will: he must ask. A man interested in becoming a Freemason, should consult a friend whom he believes to be a Freemason to secure his good counsel and recommendation concerning this important undertaking.
|