Becoming a Shriner
Frequently Asked Questions about Becoming a Shriner
If you hold the title of Master Mason in Freemasonry, you qualify and are invited to join the Shriners. Visit beashrinernow.com, click ‘JOIN’, and complete the ePetition. If you are not a Freemason, you must pursue that first. Once you are a Master Mason you will then be eligible to petition to become a Shriner. Visit BeAFreemason.org for more information on becoming a Freemason.
There are many benefits to becoming a Shriner.
- Membership in a well-known fraternal organization recognized for its social and philanthropic activities.
- Opportunity to develop lasting relationships with like-minded men from all over the world
- Engage in social activities and events that are available for the entire family. Participate in many special interest groups with Shriners that allow like-minded men to enjoy a little high-spirited fun.
- The privilege of supporting the “world’s greatest philanthropy,” Shriners Hospitals for Children®, offers Shriners many opportunities to find personal fulfillment and satisfaction
More information can be found at www.beashrinernow.com
General Information
The Fez
Shriners International has adopted the Fez as the exclusive type of head covering to be worn by all Nobles of Shriners International when appearing as such. This means all Nobles must wear their fezzes at stated meetings, ceremonials, Shrine parades, caravans, special Shrine events, and any other Shrine-related activities. The fez is never worn at Masonic Lodge communications or meetings.
At non-Shrine functions where an Imperial officer is representing the Imperial Council, or a temple officer is representing a Shrine temple, he may wear his fez. However, other Shriners in attendance are not to wear their fez.
As a Noble, you are particularly admonished never to wear your fez in any company or place in which you would decline to introduce your mother, wife, sister or daughter. Never forget this. No other person is ever allowed to wear a Noble’s fez.
The fez is not a display case or bulletin board. The Imperial Chaplain, potentates, divan members, past potentates, and Grand Masters may have their titles embroidered in small letters in gold or silver bullion, silk or rhinestone jewels on one line beneath the emblem on the fez. Active members of official uniformed units or official clubs of a temple may likewise have the names of their units or clubs on one line beneath the emblem on the fez. Any official appointee of an Imperial Potentate or potentate may have his title beneath the emblem as above for the term of his appointment.
The Fez shall be worn in its proper shape without crushing, creasing or alteration: and no device, ornament, title, wording or adornment other than allowed by Article 13 of the bylaws of Shriners International shall be permitted. Not more than two pins or clasps, without supplemental embellishments, may be used to secure the tassel in place.
It is advisable that temples adopt a procedure whereby all fezzes are ordered through the office of the temple recorder. This will assure the purchase of proper fezzes, as many Nobles are unaware of the legal restrictions.
Yet every time I look at it
I view the past thro’ memory’s door
Scenes that will come again, no more.
Voices and faces of yesteryear
Thro’ the magic of the old red fez appear
To remind me of joys that once were mine,
And happy days with the Mystic Shrine.
But that hasn’t dimmed my love for it,
For into that bit of old headgear
Is woven the friendships of many a year;
It knows the touch of a friendly hand,
And symbolizes, —you understand,
The things that are so good and fine
In our beloved Mystic Shrine.
But still, I’m mighty proud of it,
Proud of the things for which it stands
The loyal hearts and willing hands,
Ready always to do their best
To meet with courage every test;
Proud of the memories that are mine
Of the noble men of the Mystic Shrine.
And someday I’ll take leave of it,
But not without a friendly smile,
For it’s been mine a long, long while,
And if allowed in some future state
On earth’s affairs to meditate
Happiness will indeed by mine
As oft’ I think of the Mystic Shrine.
May love and loyalty ever adorn it;
May the sun of good fellowship eternally shine
In the hearts of the men of the Mystic Shrine.
Shrine Pin
A Shrine pin should be worn on the left lapel of a suit coat or jacket. Every Noble is encouraged to wear his Shrine pin when so attired. It proudly identifies him as a Shriner to other Nobles, to Freemasons, or to the general public. A Shrine pin may be worn to non-shrine events as well as Shrine events.
Beja Meetings
Beja Shriners meet on the first Wednesday of each month except July and August; hospitality at 5:00 pm, and dinner at 6:00 pm.
Stated meetings are held in January, April, September, and December. Note: Your lady is invited to accompany you to all meetings and dinners. On stated meeting nights the Ladies will go to a local restaurant for dinner.
FUNDRAISING
Two Types of Corporations
Shriners International comprises two distinct entities – the Colorado Corporation and the Iowa Corporation. The Colorado Corporation operates as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and tax-deductible organization under federal tax law, overseeing all Shrine Hospitals and Shrine Transportation funds. On the other hand, the Iowa Corporation functions as a 501(c)(10) tax-exempt but non-tax-deductible entity, representing the fraternal aspect of Shriners International and including all Shrine temples.
Beja Fundraising Events
Shrine Circus
Proceeds from this fundraiser benefit the operations of Beja Shriners only – they do not benefit Shriners Children’s™.
John Ottum Memorial Golf Outing
This is a charitable golf outing and is hosted by Beja Shrine Temple. Monies from this event are donated to the Shrine Transportation Fund.
Club Fund Raising
Events organized by the clubs and units to generate funds for their operations and charitable contributions during the “Parade of Glory.” These activities may include various fundraising methods such as Brat Frys, dinners, plant sales, auctions, or any other approved ideas suggested by the Potentate.
Beja Sportsman’s Night
A fun night of great food, drinks, raffles, silent auction, and games. There will be at least five gun boards and other raffle prizes. Check it out! https://bejasportsnight.com/
Beja Onion Sales
Each spring, Beja sells ten-pound bags of Vidalia Onions as a fundraiser to support the operations of Beja. It takes nine months to grow these ‘World Famous Vidalia Sweet Onions’ and therefore, only one crop is produced each year. These true Vidalia Sweet Onions will be shipped ‘Fresh from the Farm’ directly to the shrine center about the first week of May.
The Shriners Creed
Shriners believe in God, He created man to serve His purposes, among which is service to others in His name. We believe that care for the less fortunate, especially children who suffer from burns and crippling disease, is our institutional calling.
We are patriots, each willing to serve his country with fidelity and courage. We cherish independence under law and freedom with responsibility.
We honor family. We respect our parents, wives, and children. We should instill in our children the tenets of this creed, and the heritage from which it emanates.
As individuals, we pledge ourselves to integrity, virtue, and nobility of character. Our intentions will be honorable, our relationships will be trustworthy and our spirits forgiving of each other.
As brothers, we offer each other fraternal affection and respect. Together we will support each other in adherence to this creed so that we and our communities will be better because of our fraternity and its principles.
As Shriners, we look beyond ourselves to serve the needs of others, especially children who cannot help themselves. We believe Shriners Hospitals to be the world’s greatest Philanthropy, and we covenant with each other to support its “Temples of Mercy” with spirit, time, talent and means.
This Creed shall ever be with you throughout your lifetime my Brothers. Live in every day for the betterment of Mankind.
MILITARY SALUTE
During the Pledge of Allegiance or National Anthem.
The military salute is used when reciting the Shrine pledge of allegiance and during the National Anthem of the United States of America, Canada, Mexico, and Panama.
Colors
A Noble who is wearing his fez will execute a right-hand salute when the Colors are passing him. He will not remove his fez. After the Colors have passed, he should drop his right hand. If he is not wearing his fez he places his right hand over his heart instead of the right-hand salute.
Auditorium. In an auditorium, he should hold the salute until the Colors are posted and allegiance and/or playing of the national anthems.
Parades. Only the Color party of each Shrine is saluted when passing in review.
Shrine Pledge of Allegiance
“I pledge allegiance to my flag, and to the country for which it stands; one nation under God with liberty and justice for all.”
National Anthems
United States of America
“Oh! Say can you see, By the dawn’s early light,
What so proudly we hailed At the twilight’s last gleaming,
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, Through the perilous fight,
O’er the ramparts we watched, Were so gallantly streaming.
And the rocket’s red glare, The bombs bursting in air
Gave proof through the night. That our flag was still there.
Oh! Say does the Star-Spangled Banner yet wave
O’er the land of the free And the home of the brave.”
Canada
O Canada, our home and native land
True patriot love in all of us command
With glowing hearts we see thee rise
The true north, strong and free
From far and wide, O Canada,
We stand on guard for thee
God keep our land glorious and free
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee
Prayers
The prayer shall be non-denominational in content. A Noble wearing a fez shall remove it and hold it over his heart.
Memorial and Burial Services
Circumstances.
A Shrine memorial or funeral service is permitted under limited circumstances when requested by the deceased Noble’s family. Neither service should be held in place of a religious service or the traditional Masonic service. They may, under unusual circumstances, supplement the Masonic service, but they should not take its place. Both Services are intended as a tribute to Nobles who have performed meritorious service on behalf of a subordinate lodge or more especially the Shrine.
Divan
The Divan (or Board of Directors) consists of elected and appointed officers who serve a one-year term in a progressive line of succession. The elected officers consist of the Potentate, Chief and Assistant Rabbans, High Priest and Prophet, Oriental Guide, Recorder, and Treasurer. Beja also has five elected Trustees who oversee the operation of the Shrine Center and investments.
On behalf of the entire Divan, we welcome you to our fraternity… Welcome, Noble!