Our Connection with Freemasonry
While not all Masons are Shriners, all Shriners are Masons. Therefore, a man must become a Master Mason before he becomes a Shriner.
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All Shriners are Masons
To become a Shriner, a man must reach the level of a Master Mason in Freemasonry.
Freemasonry dates back hundreds of years with its earliest members being stonemasons and operative craftsmen. The organization evolved over the centuries to include men from all walks of life, and is now one of the largest and most widely known fraternal organizations in the world. From the explosive growth of Freemasonry, several appendant, affiliated and allied organizations were created over the last 200 years to advance unique elements of the fraternal order.
Men throughout the world further their Masonic affiliation through involvement and continued service to appendant body organizations like Shriners, which have a Masonic membership prerequisite to join and remain in good standing. Many of these organizations have an established partnership with Shriners International.
Through collaborative ventures such as BeAFreeMason.org, appendant body participation in the Shriners International Education Foundation (SIEF) Noble Academy, and work with several advisory committees, Shriners International serves as a fraternal leader committed to the overall growth and development of the Masonic family of members and organizations.
Some of our partners include:
Scottish Rite
The Scottish Rite is one of the appendant bodies of Freemasonry that a Master Mason may join for further exposure to the principles of Freemasonry. It is also concordant, in that some of its degrees relate to the degrees of Symbolic (Craft) Freemasonry. The Scottish Rite builds upon the ethical teachings and philosophy offered in the Craft (or Blue) Lodge, through dramatic presentation of the individual degrees.
York Rite
The York Rite is one of the appendant bodies of Freemasonry that a Master Mason may join to further his knowledge of Freemasonry. The three primary bodies in the York Rite are the Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, Council of Royal and Select Masters (or Council of Cryptic Masons), and the Commandery of Knights Templar; each of which are governed independently but are all considered to be a part of the York Rite.
Grottoes of North America
The Grotto (or the “Mystic Order of the Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm”) is a social organization for Master Masons, and as such, all Master Masons are welcome to join. It encourages a renewed interest in the Blue Lodges, though it makes no claim to be a part of Symbolic Craft Masonry. Members are distinguished by a black fez with a red tassel.
High Twelve International
High Twelve is an association dedicated to the unification of Master Masons, dedicated to service to the fraternity. The club’s two philanthropic objectives are youth and education; strongly supporting the Order of DeMolay, Rainbow Girls, Job’s Daughters and the Wolcott Foundation that was established to provide scholarships for students at George Washington University who seek public service careers in government.
The Tall Cedars of Lebanon
The Tall Cedars of Lebanon of North America is a side degree of Freemasonry, open to Master Masons in good standing. Its motto, "Fun, Frolic, and Fellowship" is indicative of this social group. Its members are distinguished by the pyramid-shaped hats they wear at their functions. The name is derived from the cedars of Lebanon that King Solomon used to build his Temple.
Women's Organizations
Shriners International also partners with numerous organizations that are open to Shriners’ spouses, widows and female relatives of Shriners and Masons.
These include:
Daughters of the Nile
Since the Daughters of the Nile was founded in 1913, the group has contributed millions of dollars to Shriners Children’s. Members also donate clothing, quilts, toys and volunteer hours to our hospitals.
Ladies’ Oriental Shrine of North America
Ladies’ Oriental Shrine of North America was founded in 1914 to extend good fellowship among families of Shriners. The ladies provide financial support and assistance to the hospitals with an emphasis on sewing and special projects.
Shrine Guilds of America
The Shrine Guilds of America was established in 1947 and provides independent support, education and aid to children treated at Shriners Children’s.
Order of the Eastern Star
The Order of the Eastern Star is a Masonic appendant body open to both men and women. Established in 1850, the order is based on some teachings from the Bible, but is open to people of all religious beliefs. Members are age 18 and older. Men must be Master Masons and women must have specific relationships with a Mason.
The Order of the Amaranth
The Order of the Amaranth is a Masonic affiliated organization for Master Masons and their wives founded in 1873. The ceremonies of the Amaranth are based on the Order of Amarante created by Queen Christina of Sweden on January 6, 1653 for both ladies and knights.
Youth Organizations
Shriners International partners with several organizations related to Freemasonry which instill values in children and teenagers throughout their formative years. These include:
DeMolay International
DeMolay International is a Masonic sponsored organization for young men between the ages of 12 and 21 that focuses on developing civil awareness, personal responsibility and leadership skills. DeMolay also sponsors a program called the Order of Squires for boys between the ages of 9 and 11.
Job’s Daughters International
Job’s Daughters International is an organization for young women from 10 to 20 years of age who are related to a Master Mason, or sponsored by Majority Members of the organization. Members participate in social activities, service projects and charitable works. Job’s Daughters actively supports the Hearing Impaired Kids Endowment Fund (H.I.K.E), which purchases hearing-assistive devices for children.
International Order of the Rainbow for Girls
International Order of the Rainbow for Girls, originally founded by a Mason, is open to girls between the ages of 11 and 20, irrespective of their Masonic affiliation. Members participate in service projects and fundraisers.
Path to Becoming a Shriner
We are seeking men of integrity, character and compassion to join us, no matter where you are in your journey.
Mission and Values
The mission of Shriners International is based on Masonic principles of brotherly love, relief and truth with a focus on fun, fellowship and philanthropy.
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