Who Are the Shriners? Freemasonry's Famous Philanthropists
Who are the Shriners and how are they connected to Freemasonry? Learn about their history, their famous fez, and their childrens hospitals.
With their distinctive red fezzes, colorful parades, and beloved children’s hospitals, the Shriners are among the most visible and admired organizations connected to Freemasonry. But who exactly are they?
A Masonic Organization
The Shriners — formally known today as Shriners International — are an appendant body of Freemasonry. This means that to become a Shriner, a man must first be a Master Mason. Founded in the United States in the 1870s, the organization was created to add an element of fun and fellowship to Masonic life.
Fun with a Purpose
From the beginning, the Shriners embraced a lighthearted, festive style, complete with exotic themes, parades, marching bands, and social events. But behind the fun lies a serious commitment to charity. The Shriners are best known today for one of the most remarkable philanthropies in the world.
Shriners Hospitals for Children
The organization operates a network of hospitals that provide specialized medical care to children, historically at little or no cost to families. These hospitals focus on areas such as orthopedic conditions, burn care, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate. For generations, families have received life-changing care through this system, making the Shriners a household name for pediatric charity.
The Famous Fez
The red fez, often decorated with the name of the local temple, is the Shriners’ signature symbol. Worn at events and parades, it instantly identifies members and has become an emblem of their joyful approach to fellowship and fundraising.
Brotherhood and Community
Beyond their hospitals, Shriners enjoy a strong sense of camaraderie through clubs, units, and social activities. They combine the deeper values of Freemasonry with an outgoing, community-facing spirit that has raised awareness and funds for their charitable mission for well over a century.
A Positive Public Face
For many people, the Shriners are their first and friendliest encounter with the Masonic family. Through parades, circuses, and above all their hospitals, they demonstrate the charitable heart of Freemasonry in a way that is impossible to miss.
Quick Facts
- The Shriners are an appendant body; members must be Master Masons.
- The organization was founded in the United States in the 1870s.
- They operate hospitals providing specialized care for children.
- The red fez is their signature symbol.
