Why should I be a Noble?

How can I be a Noble?

Members of the Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine of North and South America and its Jurisdictions are members of the Masonic Order and adhere to the principles of Freemasonry -- Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth.

Freemasonry is the oldest, largest, and most widely known fraternal organization in the world. It dates back hundreds of years to when stonemasons and other craftsmen on building projects gathered in shelter houses or lodges. Through the years these gatherings changed in many ways until formal Masonic lodges emerged, with members bound together not by trade, but by their own wishes to be fraternal brothers.

Shriners are distinguished by an enjoyment of life in the interest of philanthropy. The approximately 600,000 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.

The Worldwide Fraternal Shrine Family has a membership of approximately 35'000 in some 227 Shrine Temples and 200 Courts, its women's auxiliary, the Daughters of Isis, throughout the Continental United States, Canada, Germany, Italy, England, Spain, Hawaii, Japan, Korea, Guam, Thailand, Panama, and the Bahamas. The Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine is primarily a benevolent, charitable and fraternal organization, Its membership is dedicated to the principle of fostering civic, economic and educational development programs throughout the world.

The Fraternal Order has fostered the following programs:

Annual grants of thousands of dollars to the Prince Hall Shrine Health and Medical Research Foundation.

Annual grants to several institutions of higher learning and to hospitals throughout the United States for Medical research.

A National Scholarship Grand Program for young ladies between the ages of 17-24 to attend college and universities of their choice,

Annual Educational Grants for economically deprived youths.

A program of financial aid to youth in their fight against drugs, crimes, and delinquency.

Annual grants to the N.A.A.C.P, the Legal Defense Fund, and the United Negro College Fund.

Support summer camps for youth,
Voter education and registration drives.
Establishment of and maintaining dialogue with White House officials, Congress men, and national leaders on various issues affecting African-Americans and others

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.

For the Shriner desiring even more activity, there are various Units that he can join, such as drum & bugle corps, Oriental bands, motor corps, horse patrols, and clown units. Every effort is made to ensure that a Noble has a variety of activities from which he may choose.

Membership Requirements

If you are a member of either the Scottish Rite or the York Rite, 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 Ancient Craft Lodge. In Freemasonry, there is no higher degree than that of Master Mason (the Third Degree).

In many parts of North and South 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.

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. A Master Mason must have achieved the 32nd degree in the Scottish Rite or the Knights Templar degree in the York Rite before he can petition to become a Noble of the Mystic Shrine.

The Shrine of North and South 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 who has achieved the 32nd degree in the Scottish Rite or the Knights Templar degree in the York Rite, you can petition to become a Noble of the Mystic Shrine. Contact any Noble and they will point you in the right direction.