I heartily endorse the organization. I would like to give my personal "take" on the Shrine, and clear up a few misconceptions.
Anyone interested should check out their website at:
http://www.shrinershq.org
For a "Cliff's Notes" version of the "basics" of the Shrine, check out:
http://www.shrinershq.org/en/siteco...ia/ShrinersHQ/documents/Mem_ShrinerPrimer.pdf
I joined the Shrine in 1988, at Kena Shrine Center, Fairfax VA. I have participated in Shrine centers and activity in Madisonville KY, Columbus OH, Roanoke/Lynchburg VA, Kansas City MO, Memphis TN, Burlington NJ, Philadelphia PA, Norfolk VA, etc. I am not an active Shriner at this time, because I am on extended duty in Iraq. When I return to the USA in 2008, I intend to re-join the Shrine , and be very active.
-The Shrine is NOT a "rich man's club". True, there are some Shriners who are affluent, but the organization is open to all Master Masons in good standing. Dues vary from $55 to $90 per year on average, and this works out to less than 25 cents per day. The hospital assessment is $5 per year. The organization is well within reach of almost every Master Mason. A fez can be purchased for about $65.
-The Shrine does NOT take a tremendous amount of time. However, you can spend as much time as you like. If you get involved with a unit, the hours spent on fund-raisers, and performances, and rehearsals will add up. You do NOT have to join a unit right away, or at all, to be a Shriner. You should join the Shrine first, then "shop around" for an activity or unit that interests you. In my case, I did not find a unit that appealed to me, so I started an "amateur radio club" to support the Shrine center with two-way radio communications.
-The Shrine has activities for the member AND HIS LADY. This is very important. NO other masonically-related organization takes such emphasis on including the ladies in the activities. Most socials, dances, dinners,etc. are OPEN to the member and his lady. My wife was always supportive of all of my masonic activities, but never willing to participate. In Columbus OH, we joined a hillbillies club, and dressed in hillbilly hats and bib overalls. We went to "hoe-downs" out in the boondocks, and drank white lightning, and had covered-dish suppers, and danced and had really enjoyable times.
-The Shrine is NOT a masonic organization. There is no masonic ritual work, or continuation of the degrees as is found in the Blue Lodge or the York/Scottish Rites. An individual must be a Master Mason in good standing to join the Shrine, and if you drop out of the Blue Lodge, then you must leave the Shrine as well. However, the Shrine is for most members, a very important and enjoyable part of the Masonic experience.
-The Shrine hospitals are truly the "worlds greatest philanthropy" We support 22 hospitals where all treatment is provided FREE. I have helped transport children to our hospitals, and I have seen up close the terrific work that is accomplished in the hospitals. I once transported a two-year old child, who was born with spina bifida (spinal cord did not close properly). He had to have twelve operations by the time he was two years old. His father pumped gas, and had no medical insurance. I highly encourage all Masons, who are considering the Shrine, to arrange a tour of a Shriners hospital or burn center.
-The Shrine is not without problems. Membership was almost a million men, in 1990, and it has trailed off to less than 500,000 now. The average age is up above 60 and increasing. I supported the dropping of the requirement of being a KT/32d to join the Shrine. Sadly, the change did not do very much to increase the number of members.
If anyone has any specific questions about the Shrine, their hospitals, the units/clubs, or anything about the Shrine, I will be delighted to answer them, just PM me, or leave your inquiry here.
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