Warrior said: " I find it difficult to understand. Are there that many people who would leave their Blue Lodge(s) so they can continue to be in Shrine? "
As much as I love Masonry and being an MM, at one point I had to make the choice. Shrine or Masonry. I choose Shrine. But before I left the Craft I was able to demit and join a Missouri Lodge where I remain. But, the reason I would have chosen Shrine over Masonry was simple. Masonry, for the most part, does nothing except eat, meet and go home. Shrine supports the Children's Hospitals. My local club provides transportation for up to 70 children. Shrine has a very worthwhile goal of helping those children and Shriners are very proud of our hospitals and what we do for children. Hopefully I will never again be faced with that decision, but if I am it would be Shrine, hands down.