Masonic fraternity / United States
Shriners International
Shriners International is a fraternity for Master Masons, founded in 1872 and now closely associated with Shriners Children’s. It is part of the Masonic family, but it is not a Craft degree, York Rite branch or Scottish Rite degree system.
This guide explains where Shriners International in United States sits, what distinguishes its continuing work and which joining details still need a current answer from the governing body. By Beyond the Craft Editorial Team · Published 14 June 2026 · Last reviewed 21 June 2026 · 8 min read.
What it is
The proper constitutional category of Shriners International matters. Readers should distinguish its ceremonial subject, its membership qualification and the present organisation that governs it.
Why people explore it
Master Masons seeking visible charity, family-friendly social activity, travel and a large international fraternity.
What not to assume
Shriners International is not a rank above Craft Masonry and is not automatically equivalent to a similarly named system in another jurisdiction.
Documented chronology
Shriners International traces its founding to New York City and the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. [2]
The first Shriners hospital opened, beginning the healthcare mission now associated with Shriners Children’s. [2]
The organisation describes membership as open to Master Masons in good standing who petition a local temple. [3]
A fraternity after Craft, not another degree ladder
Shriners International describes itself as a fraternity whose members are Master Masons. That qualification links it to Freemasonry, but the Shrine is not a fourth Craft degree or a body in the York or Scottish Rite systems. [1] [3]
Its local units are temples, supported by clubs and activity groups. Those structures serve fellowship, events and philanthropy rather than Lodge-style Craft initiation. [1]
Why the 1872 date matters
The official history places the founding in New York City in 1872, in a period when American fraternal culture favoured pageantry, sociability and themed ritual. That explains much of the Shrine’s public colour without making the imagery ancient. [2]
The hospital story begins later. The first Shriners hospital opened in 1922, so the healthcare mission is central to modern Shrine identity but not the reason the fraternity was originally founded. [2]
Joining and commitment
The joining page states the core requirement plainly: a petitioner must be a Master Mason in good standing. He still petitions a local temple, and local dues, events, clubs and expectations should be checked directly. [3]
Commitment can range from occasional fellowship to significant volunteer work, parades, transport support, fundraising and leadership. The practical fit depends far more on the local temple than on the national brand. [1] [3]
Who may value it
Shriners may suit a Master Mason who wants visible fellowship, family-friendly social life, practical philanthropy and a broad network beyond Lodge meetings. [1] [2]
It may not suit someone looking for a sustained ritual progression or philosophical degree system. Royal Arch, Scottish Rite or research bodies are better comparisons for that kind of interest. [1]
Key distinction
Shriners is best understood as a Masonic fraternity with fellowship and philanthropy at its centre; Shrine membership depends on Masonic standing but does not confer higher Masonic rank.
Key questions
Frequently asked questions
What most distinguishes Shriners International?
Shriners is best understood as a Masonic fraternity with fellowship and philanthropy at its centre; Shrine membership depends on Masonic standing but does not confer higher Masonic rank.
Who may join Shriners International?
A man must be a Master Mason in good standing in a recognised jurisdiction before petitioning a Shrine temple. Use the cited governing body, then ask the nearest active unit in United States about proposal, dates and first-year costs.
How should its history be understood?
Shriners International traces its founding to New York City and the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. The chronology distinguishes the present organisation's dated record from older legends, symbols and ceremonial settings.
What should I compare with Shriners International?
Start with Mainstream Craft USA and Scottish Rite Northern Masonic Jurisdiction. Compare eligibility, governance and the work members actually support after admission rather than reading the names as ranks.
- Shriners International: about Shriners ↗Shriners International · Official organisational source · Retrieved 21 June 2026 · Supports: fraternity identity, philanthropy, temple structure.
- Shriners International: history of the fraternity ↗Shriners International · Official organisational source · Retrieved 21 June 2026 · Supports: 1872 foundation, hospital history, organisational development.
- Shriners International: join Shriners ↗Shriners International · Official organisational source · Retrieved 21 June 2026 · Supports: Master Mason requirement, petition route, membership enquiry.
Continue exploring
Related Reading
A fraternal and charitable organisation for eligible adults with specified Masonic relationships.
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