The History of the Shriners

The Shriners, or Shrine Masons, were originally called “The Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine” (A.A.O.N.M.S.). This was changed a few years ago, when we branched out to other countries beyond North America, and we are now know as “Shriners International”.

It all started in Manhattan in 1870 when some members of what’s considered the world’s oldest fraternity – Masonry – were hanging out at their favorite tavern. They felt that while they loved Masonry, which traces its roots to stonemasons and craftsmen of the Middle Ages, was a tad too focused on ritual. These men wanted a fraternity that stressed fun and fellowship.

Two of those gentlemen – Walter M Fleming, M.D., and Billy Florence, an actor – took that idea and ran with it. Florence came up with the idea for a Near Eastern-themed party after attending a party thrown by an Arabian diplomat. Fleming added the structure, drafting the fraternity’s name, initiation rites, rituals and rules. Together, Fleming and Florence designed the fraternity’s emblem, devised a salutation and determined that the red fez with the black tassel would be the group’s official headgear.

The first chapter, Mecca Shriners, met in New York City in 1872. As word got out about the fledgling organization, membership grew rapidly, spreading across the U.S. In the early 1900s, membership spread into Canada, Mexico and Panama. Today there are approximately 340,000 Shriners belonging to over 190 Shrine Centers and many Shrine Clubs throughout the world.

The Shrine is best known for its colorful parades, its distinctive red fez, and its official philanthropy, Shriners Hospitals for Children, which is often called “the heart and soul of the Shrine.

Why Do Shriners Wear a Fez?

The red fez with a black tassel, the Shrine’s most distinctive symbol, has been handed down through the ages. It derives its name from the place where it was first manufactured – the holy city of Fez, Morocco. The fez was chosen as part of the Shrine’s Arabic (Near-Eastern) theme, around which the color and pageantry of the Shrine are developed.

Freemasonry and its Ties to the Shrine

In order to become a Shriner, a man must first be a Freemason, or Mason as it is most commonly referred as. The fraternity of Freemasonry is the oldest, largest and most widely known Fraternity in the world. It dates back hundreds of years to when stonemasons and other craftsmen on building projects gathered in shelter houses, or lodges. Over the years, formal Masonic lodges emerged, with members bound together not by trade, but by their own desire to be Fraternal Brothers.

The basic unit of Masonry is the Blue Lodge, where members earn the first three Masonic Degrees. There is no higher degree than that of Master Mason (the Third Degree), but if a man wishes to further explore the allegory and symbolism learned in the Blue Lodge, he can join the Scottish Rite and/or the York Rite, both of which elaborate on the basic tenets of Freemasonry.

The Steps to Becoming a Shrine Mason

Every Shriner is first a Mason: however, in many parts of North America, Masonry does not solicit members. In these areas, no one is asked to join. A man must seek admission of his own free will. A man is a fully accepted “Blue Lodge” Mason after he has received and proved proficiency in the first three degrees, known as Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft and Master Mason.

After that, he can belong to many other organizations which have their roots in Masonry and which have Blue Lodge Masonry as a prerequisite. Only when a Master Mason has proven proficiency in the Third Degree can he petition to become a Noble of the Mystic Shrine.

Where to Get a Petition for Membership

To become a Shriner you must first be a Master Mason. Click on the path that applies to you.

If you are not a member in the Masonic Order, please click here: http://www.beashrinernow.com/Roadmap/MasonPath.aspx

If you are a member in the Masonic Order, and want to know how to join the Shrine, please click here: http://www.beashrinernow.com/Roadmap/ShrinePath.aspx

If you are a Master Mason in good standing in our jurisdiction, and wish to obtain a Petition for membership, contact the El Katif Shrine Office at: adminassist@elkatif.org

The Shrine’s Middle Eastern Theme

The Shrine is as American as baseball, hot dogs and apple pie. It was tied to an Arabic theme by its founders, Billy Florence, an actor, and Walter Fleming, a physician. Fleming and Florence realized the fledging fraternity needed a colorful, exciting backdrop. It is believed that Florence conceived the Shrine’s Near Eastern setting while on tour in Europe.

As the legend goes, Florence attended a party in Marseilles, France, hosted by an Arabian diplomat. At the end of the party, the guests became members of a secret society. Florence realized this might be the ideal vehicle for the new fraternity, and he made copious notes and drawings of the ceremony.

When Florence returned to the States, Fleming agreed, and together they created elaborate rituals, designed the emblem and costumes, and formulated the salutation.

Though the Shrine is not itself a secret society, it still retains much of the mysticism and secrecy of its origins.

The Shrine supported various charities almost from its inception. In 1920, however, the organization voted to adopt its own official philanthropy, dedicated to providing orthopedic medical care to children in need, regardless of a families ability to pay, and the first Shriners Hospital was built in Shreveport, LA., in 1922. The Shrine’s philanthropy eventually expanded to 22 “Centers of Excellence.”

Membership a Top Priority for the Shrine

The membership of the Shrine of North America continues to decline at an alarming rate. In fact, every 24 hours, the Shrine loses 46 Nobles. While this statistic is shocking, with a cooperative effort throughout Shrinedom, it is not irreversible.

Richard G. Burke

Imperial Potentate 2024-2025

Richard G. Burke of Buford, Georgia, is serving his 10th year as a member of the Boards of Directors for Shriners International and Shriners Children’s™. He was elected Imperial Potentate, head of the 12-member body that helps govern the Shriners fraternity, during the Shriners 2024 Imperial Session held June 30 through July 4 in Reno, Nevada.

Burke was born in Endicott, New York, and moved to Atlanta after graduating from college. From 1979 to 1988, he worked as a systems consultant for NCR and Texas Instruments, where he specialized in accounting systems, voice recognition and artificial intelligence systems. After that, he worked as an IT consultant.

In 1992, he joined Payment Technologies Inc. as a partner and vice president of information technology. After selling their initial business in 2002, Burke and his business partners formed a successful internet venture called Financial Operations Networks LLC. As chief information officer, Burke is responsible for online marketing, online development, search engine optimization and part of overall business strategy decisions. The remaining business channel processes millions of accounting transactions for major companies around the world.

Burke and his wife, Judy, have been married for 31 years. They enjoy spending time with their three children, their spouses and eight grandchildren, ages 17 to 24. Burke and his wife have dedicated their lives to raising awareness of Shriners International and Shriners Children’s since their granddaughter, Leah, received care for burn injuries at the Shriners Children’s location in Ohio in 2002.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree, Business, minors in Accounting, Computer Science, State University of New York at Geneseo, 1979

Fraternities and Philanthropy

• Master Mason, Buford Lodge #292, March, 2003
• Yaarab Shriners, Atlanta, Georgia, 2003
• President, Gwinnett Shrine Club, 2006
• Potentate, Yaarab Shriners, 2014
• Divan Member, Yaarab Shriners, 2008-2014, honored many times for fundraising efforts
• Regional Imperial Public Relations Director, Southeast, 2009-2013
• Member, Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of Atlanta
• Chairman, Salaries, Personnel and Retirement, Shriners Children’s, 2019-2022
• Chairman, Shriners Children’s College Classic, 2018-2021
• Chairman, Membership Committee, 2019-2020
• Chairman, Shriners Children’s Sports Committee, 2021-2023
• Executive Committee Member, Donor Development, 2021-2022
• Chairman, Philanthropy, 2023-2024
• Chairman, Marketing and Communications, 2023-2024
• Vice Chairman, Budget, 2022-2023
• Chairman, Budget, 2023-2024
• Chairman, Investments, 2023-2024

Why I Became a Shriner

‘Love to the Rescue’ – What it means to me…from my heart

By Richard G. Burke

Having grown up in middle-class America, I always thought that only the poor and unfortunate were in need of charity. I took most things for granted and considered charity only for others. All that changed 22 years ago. Our infant granddaughter, Leah, suffered critical injuries caused by an accidental scalding in the bathtub when she reached up and switched on the hot water.

Leah was rushed to Atlanta’s Grady Hospital by life flight where my wife and I met with a doctor who told us, “The best place for a burned child is Shriners Children’s in Ohio.” We were surprised to learn Shriners Children’s was dedicated to providing quality care regardless of families’ ability to pay or insurance status.

The doctor assured us that if this were his child, she would be at a Shriners Children’s burn hospital because they not only provide the best care available for children, but also the best environment for long-term care. The next thing we knew, a flight team from Ohio was on the way to pick up the family. Within 12 hours of her accident, Leah arrived with her parents at Shriners Children's Ohio, which was located in Cincinnati at that time.

My wife and I gathered what we needed for an undetermined time away and drove all night through thick fog from Atlanta to Ohio. We arrived by mid-morning and were escorted to the family section, where families stay while their children are in the critical care unit. The accommodations and hospitality were extraordinary, and the fact that these were provided at no cost to our family was unbelievable to us. In difficult times, keeping loved ones close by is so important, but what is unique is how well our family was treated and the burden that is relieved by the generosity of Shriners. That morning, we were given the news that Leah’s chance of survival was 50/50 because she was so badly burned over 80% of her little body.

Later that day, we toured the facility, seeing where leading-edge burn research takes place, saving children with burns over 90% or more of their bodies. We also met interns as they prepared to be future doctors. We later found out that the recommending doctor from Grady had interned at one of the Shriners Children’s burn hospitals. We saw where children are schooled while having procedures. We spoke with kids and their families about how great the care is and how the kids enjoy their time at the hospital. We met other children and families coming in for follow-up visits who praised the efforts of Shriners and felt indebted beyond their means to Shriners.

We visited the “Drivers Lounge,” where Shriners rested while their patient passengers had follow-up visits. These Shriners, known as “Road Runners,” came from as far as 750 miles or more and volunteered their time to drive vans with patients for follow-up appointments. We were told volunteer Shriners make the trip from Atlanta over 100 times per year.

While in the lobby, we learned all this is possible because of the generosity of Shriners, their current fundraising efforts and a large endowment fund. I was embarrassed to think I hardly ever lowered my car window to give to that Shriner on the street. I wondered why I did not know more about Shriners and Shriners Children’s hospitals I said, “If you will get me a fez and a bucket, I will stand out in the street every day while I am here.” After being told I had to be a Mason and a Shriner before I could do that, I took the first step and asked, “How do I become a Mason and a Shriner?” Charity entered my heart that day, and my life’s priorities changed for the better.

Today, I am proud to be a Shriner, and this year I am honored and humbled to be the Imperial Potentate (President & Chairman) for Shriners and Shriners Children’s locations all over the world.

Today, I truly understand the meaning of the phrase, “It is better to give than to receive.” Being a part of the Shriners community has changed our lives. My wife and I enjoy thousands of new friendships with equally committed volunteers who, along with our family, work to support Shriners Children’s. We participate in numerous fundraisers to not only raise money for our healthcare system but raise awareness of the great work Shriners do.

We can help more children if more people know what we do and why we are so passionate about our cause. I never thought I would be one of those men wearing a funny-looking hat collecting money to help kids. But, today, my wife and I dedicate a large part of our lives to doing our part to help children in need and giving back to an organization that has given so much to us. It is amazing how often someone comes up to me and sincerely says, “Thanks for all you do.”

The Shriner’s Creed

Shriners believe in God and that 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 diseases, 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 out 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 relations 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 the better because of our fraternity and its principals.

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.