What is the difference between the Shriners and the Masons?

It's a common question, and one that often leads to some confusion: What is the difference between the Shriners and the Masons? While the two organizations are closely related and share a common heritage, they are distinct entities with different primary focuses and public-facing activities. Think of it like this: one is the parent organization, and the other is a specialized offspring with a particular mission.

To understand the difference, we first need to establish the foundational organization: Freemasonry.

Freemasonry: The Foundation

Freemasonry is the older and broader of the two. It's a fraternal organization that traces its origins back to the late 16th and early 17th centuries in Great Britain. It is not a religion, nor a political party, but rather a system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols.

Key Aspects of Freemasonry:

Membership: To become a Mason, a man must be of good character, believe in a Supreme Being (regardless of religious affiliation), and be of lawful age (typically 18 or 21, depending on the jurisdiction).
Purpose: The core tenets of Freemasonry revolve around self-improvement, moral development, brotherhood, and charity. Masons strive to become better men and contribute positively to society.
Structure: Freemasonry is organized into local Lodges, which are overseen by Grand Lodges at the state or national level.
Degrees: The primary Masonic degrees are entered apprentice, fellow craft, and master mason. These degrees impart moral and philosophical lessons through ritual and allegory.
Charity: While charity is a cornerstone, Masonic charities are diverse and often handled at the local Lodge or Grand Lodge level. These can include support for Masonic homes for the elderly, scholarships, and various local community initiatives.

Essentially, Freemasonry provides a framework for men to engage in personal growth, build strong bonds of brotherhood, and contribute to the betterment of their communities through moral instruction and charitable works.

Shriners: The Philanthropic Extension

Now, let's talk about the Shriners. The official name is Shriners International, and it is often referred to as the "Shriners" or "Shriners Hospitals for Children." Shriners are, by definition, Master Masons. This means that membership in Freemasonry is a prerequisite for becoming a Shriner.

The Shrine was founded in 1872 by 13 Masons in New York City. Their vision was to create a lighter, more social, and more publicly visible Masonic fraternity that would focus on a specific, impactful philanthropic mission.

Key Aspects of the Shriners:

Membership: Membership in Shriners International requires a man to be a Master Mason in good standing.
Purpose: The primary and most widely recognized purpose of the Shriners is philanthropy, specifically through their network of Shriners Hospitals for Children. These hospitals provide world-class medical care to children with a wide range of orthopedic conditions, burns, cleft lip and palate, and spinal cord injuries, regardless of their family's ability to pay.
Structure: Shriners are organized into Temples (instead of Lodges), which are also overseen by a Grand Imperial Council.
Rituals and Symbols: Shriners have their own unique rituals and symbols, often drawing from a historical Arabic theme, which are distinct from Masonic rituals.
Public Image: Shriners are known for their distinctive red fezzes, parades, and their highly visible commitment to their hospitals. They often participate in community events to raise awareness and funds for their cause.
Additional Groups: Within the Shriners, there are various clubs and units, such as the Shrine Circus, motorcycle units, and marching bands, which add to their public visibility and provide avenues for fellowship and fundraising.

So, while a Mason's primary focus might be on personal development and a broader spectrum of charitable activities, a Shriner's defining characteristic is their dedication to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, supported by their Masonic background.

The Relationship: A Family Connection

The relationship between the Shriners and the Masons can be best described as that of a specialized philanthropic arm extending from a larger fraternal organization. All Shriners are Masons, but not all Masons are Shriners.

Think of it this way:

Freemasonry is the overarching fraternity, like a large family with many branches.
Shriners International is one of those prominent branches, with a very specific and impactful mission that is its defining feature.

When you see a man in a red fez, you know he is a Shriner, and therefore, he is also a Mason. However, when you encounter a Mason, he may or may not be a Shriner. He might be involved in other Masonic appendant bodies or simply focus his charitable efforts through his local Lodge.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How does one become a Shriner?

To become a Shriner, a man must first be a Master Mason in good standing. Once he has achieved the Master Mason degree in a Masonic Lodge, he can then petition to join a Shrine Temple. The process typically involves an application and a vote by the members of the Temple.

Why do Shriners wear fezzes?

The red fez is an iconic symbol of the Shriners, adopted during their founding in the late 19th century. It's part of their distinctive attire and helps identify them publicly as members of the organization, often associated with their parades and charitable events. The fez has historical roots that are part of their unique symbolism.

Are Shriners a secret society?

While Freemasonry, and by extension Shriners International, have historically been referred to as "secret societies" due to the private nature of their rituals, they are not secret in the sense of clandestine or illicit organizations. Their existence, meeting places, and charitable work are well-known. Their "secrets" pertain primarily to their internal modes of recognition and rituals, which are not intended for public disclosure, much like the private traditions of any fraternal or religious group.

What is the main charitable focus of the Shriners?

The primary and most prominent charitable focus of the Shriners is their network of Shriners Hospitals for Children. These hospitals provide specialized medical care to children with orthopedic conditions, burns, cleft lip and palate, and spinal cord injuries, free of charge to the patient and their families.

Can women be Shriners or Masons?

Traditionally, both Freemasonry and Shriners International are organizations exclusively for men. However, there are related organizations for women, such as the Order of the Eastern Star, which has a close relationship with Freemasonry, and various auxiliary groups that support the Shriners' philanthropic efforts.