Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the Shriners?
The Shriners are a brotherhood or fraternity of men...dedicated to fun and fellowship...but with a serious purpose.
Shriners are distinguished by an enjoyment of life and a commitment to philanthropy. They enjoy parades, trips, dances, dinners, sporting events and other social occasions. They support what has been called the "World's Greatest Philanthropy," Shriners Hospitals for Children, a network of twenty two (22) pediatric specialty hospitals, operated and maintained by the Shriners. All children, up to 18 years old, may be eligible for treatment at Shriners Hospitals if they, in the opinion of the hospital's chief of staff, could benefit from the specialized care available at Shriners Hospitals. Eligibility is not based on financial need or relationship to a Shriner.
The Aloha Shriners strongly believe that a man should be a positive influence on his family and reflect the moral values that he has cultivated during his Journey in Masonry and learned basic life values and morals from the family environment. Our Membership Committee takes the time to reaffirm, reinforce, and focus on the importance of the family as the center of the American (Hawaiian) way of life with family events that are scheduled throughout the year.
What is Masonry and its Connection to the Shriners?
By becoming a NOBLE or SHRINER, you have an opportunity to expand upon your knowledge of Freemasonry, to widen your circle of friends, and to serve humanity in unique ways. Thus there is the old saying, “Every man of good moral character and recommended can become a Mason, but every Shriner must first become a Mason.”
Masonry is a Journey and not a Destination
The fraternity of Freemasonry is the oldest, largest and most widely known fraternity in the world. It dates back centuries to the time when stonemasons and other craftsmen 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 Blue Lodge - First (1°) To Third (3°) Degree
The basic unit of Masonry is the Blue Lodge where members earn the first three Masonic Degrees known as the Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft and Master Mason. After one becomes a Master Mason, he can belong to many other organizations which have their roots in Masonry and which have Blue Lodge Masonry as a prerequisite. Attainment of the third Masonic degree, that of a Master Mason, represents the attainment of the highest rank in all of Masonry. Any Master Mason stands as an equal before every other Master Mason, regardless of position, class, or other degrees.
The Appendant and Higher Degrees
Additional degrees are sometimes referred to as appendant degrees or higher degrees where the degree numbering might imply a hierarchy. Appendant degrees represent a lateral movement in Masonic Education rather than an upward movement. These are not degrees of rank, but rather degrees of instruction.
One can continue his Journey in Masonry and advance in York Rite through The Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, The Council of Cryptic Masons and thereafter be accepted into the knightly Orders of The Commandery of Knights Templar such as the Order of the Red Cross, the Order of Malta and ultimately conferred the Order of that of a “Knights Templar,” founded upon the New Testament, and the glorious history of the chivalric Knights of the Crusades. A selected few may be invited to join The Sovereign College of York Rite which is dedicated to educating and promoting unity throughout the craft, confers the Order of a “Knight of York” explains how the many divisions among the early guilds were overcome and the groundwork was laid for the first Grand Lodge of Masonry. Others may be invited to join. The Red Cross of Constantine is strictly a honorary body with a limited membership.
Others may continue their Journey in Masonry through the magnificent thirty two (32) Degrees in of the Scottish Rite, advancing through the Degrees of the Lodge of Perfection (4°–14°), the Council of Princes of Jerusalem (15°–16°), the Chapter of Rose Croix (17°–18°) and ultimately of the Consistory (19°–32°). The 30° Degree culminates with the Degree of “Knight Kadosh,” a spiritual knighthood similar to the Knights Templar. In the 32° Degree, a Knight Kadosh is being conferred the 32° of Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret. The Supreme Council controls and confers the 33° of Sovereign Grand Inspector General. In the United States, members of the Scottish Rite can be elected to receive the 33° by the Supreme Council. It is conferred on members who have made major contributions to society or to Masonry in general. A Scottish Rite Mason does not need to be, nor ever needs to have been, an officer of any rank in any lodge to be honored with the 33°.
You too can be a “NOBLE!”
When a man has achieved the status of Master Mason he can then petition to become a Noble of the Shrine of North America. He can ask the Aloha Shriners Membership Ambassador at his Blue Lodge, or he simply may complete the Application form and a Membership Ambassador will contact him. Currently there are two Initiation Classes each year, one in Spring and one in Fall. There are special circumstances when an immediate initiation is necessary and usually it will be granted. (For example a Military Assignment, etc.).
What is the relationship between Shriners and Shriners Hospitals?
In a unique interdependent relationship, the Shriners and Shriners Hospitals are separate but inseparable.
The Shriners of North America supports Shriners Hospitals in many ways: Shrine Temples and clubs often help arrange and pay for transportation for children and parents to the hospitals, and thousands of Shriners spend many hours of their own time driving families to the hospitals and entertaining the patients.
In addition, Shriners helps support the hospitals financially, with each Shriner paying an annual $5 hospital assessment. Temples and clubs also hold many fundraisers, some of which benefit Shriners Hospitals for Children.
What are the benefits of becoming a Shriner?
· Membership in a well-known fraternal organization recognized for its social and philanthropic activities.
· Opportunity to develop lasting friendships with others from all walks of life
· A variety of social activities available for the entire family and many special-interest groups to meet individual interests
· The privilege of being part of the "Worlds Greatest Philanthropy," offering Shriners many opportunities to find personal fulfillment and satisfaction through supporting Shriners Hospitals for Children.
How can I become a Shriner?
Click below for more information on how to become a Shriner. or visit our membership page.
Contact Membership Development
Aloha Shriners, A.A.O.N.M.S.
1611 Kewalo St., Suite 201, Honolulu, HI 96822
Office: 808-536-9333 - Fax: 808-528-2384