Shriners International, formally known as the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (AAONMS), stands as an American Masonic society recognized for its Middle Eastern-inspired iconography and commitment to philanthropy. Shriners wear distinctive red fezzes as their official headgear, while fraternal regalia often features camels, pyramids, the Sphinx, and other ancient Egyptian and Arabian symbols.
Shriners parade in full regalia.
Origins and Early Development
In 1870, the idea of a new fraternity for Masons, stressing fun and fellowship, was discussed among several thousand Freemasons in Manhattan. Walter M. Fleming and William J. Florence were central figures in the establishment of the Shriners. While on tour in Marseille, Florence was invited to a party given by an Arab diplomat, where he witnessed a musical comedy and the induction of guests into a secret society. He took notes and drawings at his initial viewing and on two other occasions, once in Algiers and once in Cairo.
Fleming created the ritual, emblem, and costumes for the new group, which adopted a Middle Eastern theme. The first Temple (now Shrine Auditorium or Shrine Center) was Mecca Temple, established at the New York City Masonic Hall on September 26, 1872. By 1875, the organization had 43 Shriners. To encourage membership, the Imperial Grand Council of the Ancient Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine for North America was created at the June 6, 1876 meeting of Mecca Temple. Fleming was elected the first imperial potentate.
By 1878, there were 425 members in 13 temples in eight states, and by 1888, there were 7,210 members in 48 temples in the United States and Canada.
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Logo of the Shriners International, showcasing Middle Eastern-inspired symbols.
Expansion and Diversity
Historically, the Shrine was open to only White men. In 1893, an African American counterpart to the Shriners movement was initiated by John G. Jones and 13 other Prince Hall masons, known as the "Imperial Grand Council of Prince Hall Shriners, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles Mystic Shrine" (A.A.O.N.M.S.). The order was incorporated under the laws of Illinois in 1893.
Beginning in 1919, there were legal conflicts between the White and African American orders, with a White-only order from Texas filing a lawsuit against a local African American order for infringement of White Shriners regalia and traditions.
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Shriners Temples and Architecture
The headquarters of local chapters, formally known as Shrine Centers, are sometimes called "Temples" or even "Mosques." Most have names such as Egypt, Sahara, Morocco, and Oasis, and many are built in the Moorish Revival style. Some of the earliest Shrine Centers often chose a Moorish Revival style for their Temples. The Syria Mosque was completed in Pittsburgh in 1911 and inaugurated in 1916. Musicians who have performed at the Syria Mosque include Bruce Springsteen, Louis Armstrong, Bob Dylan, Pink Floyd, Jimmy Buffett, and The Beach Boys. Political event hosts included Reagan, Nixon, Truman, and Kennedy.
Philanthropic Activities and Shriners Hospitals
In June 1920, the Imperial Council Session voted to establish a Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children to treat orthopedic injuries and conditions, diseases, burns, spinal cord injuries, and birth defects, such as cleft lip and palate, in children. The first hospital opened in 1922 in Shreveport, Louisiana. Until June 2012, all care at Shriners Hospitals was provided without charge to patients and their families. At that time, because the size of their endowment had decreased due to losses in the stock market, Shriners Hospitals started billing patients' insurance companies but continued to offer free care to children without insurance. Shriners hospitals waive all costs insurance does not cover.
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Daughters of the Nile at Shriners Hospital for Children - Canada in Montreal in 1948.
Women's Auxiliaries
The Ladies Oriental Shrine of North America was founded in 1903 in Wheeling, West Virginia, and the Daughters of the Nile was founded in 1913 in Seattle, Washington. Both are for women only, and they support the Shriners Hospitals and promote sociability. Membership in either organization is open to any woman 18 years of age and older who is related to a Shriner or Master Mason by birth or marriage. The latter organization has local branches called "Temples," and there were ten of these in 1922. Among the famous members of the Daughters of the Nile was First Lady Florence Harding, wife of Warren G.
Here is a table summarizing the key women's auxiliaries:
| Organization | Founded | Location | Purpose | Membership |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ladies Oriental Shrine of North America | 1903 | Wheeling, West Virginia | Support Shriners Hospitals and promote sociability | Women related to a Shriner or Master Mason |
| Daughters of the Nile | 1913 | Seattle, Washington | Support Shriners Hospitals and promote sociability | Women related to a Shriner or Master Mason |
Shriners in Tampa and Conventions
The group has held a convention in Tampa, Florida, four times, and a fifth convention is planned for 2026. The 2023 convention included a parade and community outreach. Bahia has been honored to host several Shrine Conventions. It hosted the Imperial Council Sessions in 1982, 1992, and 1998. Other conventions hosted include the Shrine Directors Association (SDA) in 1962, 1991, and 2021, the Southeastern Shrine Association (SESA) in 1975, and the Florida Shrine Association (FSA) in 1976, 1983, 2000, and 2008.
Modern Challenges and Changes
In 2002, following the September 11 attacks, the "faux-Middle Eastern practices and trappings" led Shriners to be "mistaken for a Muslim organization, leading to harassment and vandalism." By 2011, Shriners removed much of the Middle Eastern theming, both locally and within the broader organization. This was in continued response to "the events of Sept. 11, 2001, and subsequent military conflicts." Changes included renaming the organization from "Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine" to "Shriners International;" renaming the "Arabic Patrol" to "The Patrol," and removing the word Syria from Syria Shriners vanity plates.
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