Brotherhood with Purpose
Shriners International is a global fraternity built on the enduring Masonic values of brotherly love, relief, and truth—with a generous dose of fun and fellowship along the way. With nearly 200 chapters and thousands of affiliated clubs across six continents, Shriners are known for their strong bonds, compassion, and unwavering commitment to service.
Since founding Shriners Hospitals for Children in 1922, the fraternity has made it its mission to support this world-renowned healthcare system. Today, Shriners Children’s™ continues to provide life-changing care to children, regardless of their family’s ability to pay—making a lasting impact one child, one family, and one community at a time.
But being a Shriner is about more than philanthropy. It’s about becoming the best version of yourself. Shriners International helps good men grow into even better husbands, fathers, leaders, mentors, and friends.
What sets our fraternity apart is our deeply rooted brotherhood—a global network of nearly 200,000 men who lift one another up in both personal and professional life. Whether it’s through a shared laugh, a parade, a hospital visit, or a helping hand in tough times, becoming a Shriner means gaining a lifelong family.
The Founding of the Fraternity
In 1872, two Master Masons—Dr. Walter M. Fleming and William J. “Billy” Florence, a celebrated actor of the time—established what would become Shriners International.
According to tradition, the idea was sparked when Florence attended an Arabian-themed celebration in Marseilles, France. Captivated by the vibrant costumes, ceremonial flair, and exotic mystique—popular throughout the Western world at the time—he brought the idea back to his Masonic brother, Dr. Fleming. Inspired by the experience, the two envisioned a new kind of fraternity: one rooted in Masonic values, but infused with fun, fellowship, and pageantry. Thus, Shriners International was born.
Tradition and Culture
In 1872, two Master Masons—Dr. Walter M. Fleming and William J. “Billy” Florence, a celebrated actor of the time—established what would become Shriners International.
According to tradition, the idea was sparked when Florence attended an Arabian-themed celebration in Marseilles, France. Captivated by the vibrant costumes, ceremonial flair, and exotic mystique—popular throughout the Western world at the time—he brought the idea back to his Masonic brother, Dr. Fleming. Inspired by the experience, the two envisioned a new kind of fraternity: one rooted in Masonic values, but infused with fun, fellowship, and pageantry. Thus, Shriners International was born.
A Family Organization
Shriners International is more than a fraternity—it’s a family-focused community. With a strong emphasis on inclusion and connection, our Shrine Centers regularly host events that welcome spouses, children, grandchildren, and members of the broader community.
For many, the Shrine becomes a second family. Lifelong friendships are built through shared experiences, service, and celebration. The bond of brotherhood unites Nobles as they journey through life—offering strength and support in challenging times, and joy and fellowship in moments of celebration.
At its heart, Shriners International is a place where families grow, friendships thrive, and the spirit of community lives on across generations.
Why Do Shriners Wear A Fez?
The red fez with the black tassel is one of the most iconic and recognizable symbols of Shriners International. Its origin traces back to the city of Fez, Morocco, and it was adopted by the fraternity to reflect the Near Eastern theme that inspired its founders. The fez adds a sense of pageantry, tradition, and ceremonial flair to Shriner events and rituals.
More than just headwear, each fez is personalized for its wearer. It proudly displays the name of the Shrine chapter, as well as any titles, honors, clubs, or units the Noble belongs to. It serves as both a symbol of pride and a visual reminder of the brotherhood, service, and fun that define Shriners International.
The fez is worn at all official Shrine functions, connecting Nobles across generations and around the world through a shared identity and tradition.
The Emblem
The crescent and scimitar emblem, proudly displayed on the front of every Shriner’s fez, is more than decorative—it’s a symbol rich with meaning, reflecting the values, structure, and purpose of Shriners International.
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The scimitar represents the members—the strength, dedication, and unity that form the backbone of the fraternity.
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The claws grasping the crescent symbolize both the Shriners fraternity and its philanthropic mission.
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The sphinx at the center signifies the governing body that guides the organization with wisdom and integrity.
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The five-pointed star stands for the thousands of children whose lives are changed each year through Shriners' compassionate care.
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The Latin phrase “Robur et Furor”—meaning “Strength and Fury”—serves as a motto of resolve and purpose, underscoring the energy with which Shriners approach their mission.
Together, these elements form a powerful emblem of brotherhood, service, and compassion—a badge of honor worn by those who live to make a difference.
Leadership
The Imperial Divan serves as the international governing body of Shriners International, functioning as the fraternity’s Board of Directors. It is composed of 12 Imperial Officers, each dedicated to guiding the strategic vision, operations, and global impact of the organization.
Each year, a new Imperial Officer is elected to the entry-level position of Imperial Outer Guard. Traditionally, officers then advance one position per year, ascending through the ranks over time. The exceptions to this progression are the Imperial Recorder and Imperial Treasurer, who are elected annually to their specific roles and do not rotate through the line.
At the top of the Imperial Divan is the Imperial Potentate, the highest-ranking officer in Shriners International. Serving a one-year term, the Imperial Potentate acts as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Shriners International, as well as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Shriners Children’s™, the fraternity’s official philanthropy.
The Imperial First Lady, the significant other of the Imperial Potentate, also plays an important role—graciously representing and supporting both the fraternity and the philanthropic mission of Shriners Children’s™ throughout her term.
All Shriners are Masons
To become a Shriner, a man must first become a Master Mason, the highest degree in Freemasonry.
Freemasonry traces its roots back hundreds of years to the guilds of stonemasons and operative craftsmen. Over time, it evolved into a fraternity that now welcomes men from all professions and backgrounds, making it one of the oldest and most widely recognized fraternal organizations in the world.
As Freemasonry expanded, it gave rise to a number of appendant and affiliated bodies, each designed to explore unique aspects of Masonic values, service, and fellowship. Among these, Shriners International stands out as a dynamic and charitable extension of the Craft—open only to Master Masons in good standing.
Across the globe, Masons further their journey through involvement in organizations like the Shriners, which blend tradition with philanthropy, ceremony with community, and brotherhood with impact. Many of these appendant bodies also maintain close working relationships with Shriners International.
Through collaborative initiatives like BeAFreemason.org, partnerships with the Shriners International Education Foundation (SIEF) Noble Academy, and representation on key advisory committees, Shriners International proudly supports the continued growth, education, and engagement of the broader Masonic family.
Al Shamal Shriners is a fraternal organization based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, serving Northern Alberta.
The organization hosts various events and activities to engage members and the community, fostering a spirit of brotherhood and charitable giving. Their facility, located at 14511 142 Street NW, offers spaces for socials, meetings, workshops, parties, dances, and weddings, accommodating up to 310 guests for dining and 500 for concerts. For more information or to get involved, visit their official website.
