What is the Shrine?
“World’s Greatest Philanthropy” In 1870, many Masons had lunch at a restaurant called the Knickerbocker Cottage. One particularly jovial group used to meet regularly at a special table on the second floor. They became known for their good humor and wit and often discussed the idea of a new fraternity for Masons, in which fun and fellowship would be stressed more than ritual. Brothers Walter M. Fleming, M.D., and William J. Florence, an actor, grew serious about the idea.. Billy Florence, the actor toured London, Europe and Middle Eastern countries. While on tour in Marseilles, France, Florence attended a party given by an Arabian diplomat where he saw an elaborately staged musical comedy. Afterward, the guests became members of a secret society. On two other occasions, once in Algiers and again in Cairo, he attended the ceremony again. He made copious notes and drawings at that time. When he returned to New York in 1870 and showed his material to Dr. Fleming. They realized that this mi
