The First Thousand Shriners

One of the oldest artifacts of the fraternity is a book of the first 1,000 Shriners’ membership records, all whom were members of Mecca temple (chapter) in New York City.

The records of founders Dr. Walter Fleming and William “Billy” Florence are on the first pages of the book and written in their own handwriting. Many of the entries have stamps that say “Admitted to the Unseen Temple” which was added to member’s record after his death.

The book is on display in the Shriners display in the Family of Freemasonry room at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial in Alexandria, Virginia.

View the book.