Membership Information

Membership Information
Membership Requirements
How To Apply
Petition for Initiation and Membership

Membership Information
 
 

    Members of the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (A.A.O.N.M.S.)
for North America are members of the Masonic Order and adhere to the principles of Freemasonry -- Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth.

    Shriners are distinguished by an enjoyment of life in the interest of philanthropy. The approximately 525,000 member organization has a buoyant philosophy which has been expressed as "Pleasure without intemperance, hospitality without rudeness and jollity without coarseness."

    Shriners are men who enjoy life.  They enjoy parades, trips, circuses, dances, dinners, sporting events and other social occasions together.  Furthermore, Shriners support what has become known as the "World's Greatest Philanthropy," Shriners Hospitals for Children.

    Through fellowship and philanthropy, Shrinedom strengthens the soul and adds inner meaning to daily life.  It thus spreads a glow of joy through one's entire family.

    Men from all walks of life and all levels of income find fun, fellowship and relaxation in their local Shrine Temple and its activities.  There are also regional Shrine Clubs in many communities.  Family picnics, dances, parties and scheduled trips to near and far are just a few of the activities available.

        There are 191 Shrine Temples, or chapters, located in the United States,
    Canada, Mexico and the Republic of Panama.  Informal Shrine Clubs are
    located all around the world.

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Membership Requirements

        If you are a Master Mason of a Lodge recognized and in amity with the
    Conference of Grand Masters of North America, 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).

        In many parts of North America, Masonry does not solicit members.  In
    these areas, no one is asked to join, and a man must seek admission of his
    own free will -- he must ask.  In some areas, Masons are permitted to
    solicit new members.  In all cases, a man interested in becoming a
    Mason, if he has not been asked, should consult a friend whom he believes
    to be a Freemason to secure his good counsel and recommendation
    concerning this important undertaking.

        If you are not a Mason, and would like more information on becoming
    a freemason in California, please click of the following link:

                       http://www.freemason.org/become_member/index.php

        For men who would like to receive additional instruction and explanation
    regarding the allegory and symbolism learned in the Masonic Lodge, the
    Scottish Rite or the York Rite bodies elaborate on the basic tenets of
    Freemasonry.

        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.

How to Apply

        If you are a Master Mason of a Lodge recognized and in amity with the
    Conference of Grand Masters of North America, you can petition to become
    a Noble of the Mystic Shrine.
    Please click here for a Petition of Initiation and Membership

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