Whatis the Shrine?
The Shrine is not an appendant bodyof Masonry, though the distinction would escape many. The Shrine confers no additional degrees. It was founded in 1872 (the Mecca Temple in New York City) and an Arabic theme was chosen. Hence, the distinctive red fez that Shriners wear at official functions. Members of the Ancient Arabic Orderof the Nobles the Mystic Shrine for North America (AASONM is an anagram for “A MASON”) are members of the Scottish Rite’s 32nd degree, and/or Knights Templer of the York Rite. The Shrine is most noted for its emphasis on philanthropy and its jolly outlook on life– it has been called “the playground of Masonry”. This is expressed as “Pleasure without intemperance, hospitality without rudeness, and jollity without coarseness.” The Royal Order of Jesters is a groupdrawn from Shrine membership, by invitation only.
