The Ancient & Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, the Shrine of North America or simply, “the Shrine”, is a fraternity that grew out of Freemasonry in the late 19th Century. Originally envisioned to be the “Playground of Masonry,” it soon realized the need to focus on philanthropy, and, as a result, in 1923 the first of its 22 Shriners Hospitals for Children was opened in Shreveport, Louisiana.

Requiring each of its members to be a Blue Lodge Mason, the ritual of the Shrine, while abbreviated, affords additional light in Masonry using an Arabic theme. The rite is performed at a “Ceremonial” in which a pilgrimage to Mecca is enacted. Following his initiation the new Noble is encouraged to join a Unit or Shrine Club.

The Shrine provides a Mason with the means to widen the fellowship first enjoyed in the Blue Lodge. The Shrine of North America is governed by the Imperial Council headquartered in Tampa, Florida. Each Orient (or state) is comprised of several Deserts (or cities) each having a single Shrine Center. There is no governing body at the Orient level.

Petitions for membership are available here.