Kena Shriners A.A.O.N.M.S.

Information Page

This page is provided as an informational reference for the Kena Shriners. The information contained herein is provided as a public service only.

The Shrine of North America is a fraternity that grew out of Freemasonry over a century ago. Because of this, the  Shrine is dedicated to Masonic principles. The Shrine Fraternity provides Masonic brothers a means to widen the fellowship first enjoyed in the Blue Lodge. It also offers  men, their wives and their families an opportunity to meet new friends  who have similar interests, tastes and feelings.                        

A Master Mason does not have to be a member of the Scottish Rite or the York Rite to become a Shriner.                                                         

Friendship and Fellowship: In an increasingly complex world, the Shrine provides two of man’s most basic needs: friendship and fellowship. These two prime reasons contributed to the birth of the Shrine in 1872.                                               

Children’s Hospital Medical Services: The Shrine is recognized as “The World’s Greatest Philanthropy” because of the great service provided in our Children’s Hospitals. We are proud that over 98%  of all contributions to our hospitals are used for this charitable function. Furthermore, there is no charge for these hospital  services. This is the best reason for becoming a Shriner. Further, it is tremendously rewarding to know that you contribute to this great cause..                                                                                         

Personal Growth and Development: Membership in the Shrine adds to member’s growth in human relations.

Leadership Development: Serving in leadership roles in Shrine units, clubs or other organizations helps develop the ability to motivate and influence others.                                    

Citizenship in the Community: Membership in a Shrine organization makes us a better citizen in our community. The average Shrine Center consists of the most active citizens of any community.   

Continuing Education: The various Shrine units provide programs  designed to keep members informed about our community, nation and world.                                                            

Fun: The Shrine is a lot of fun. The meetings are fun. The club and unit projects are fun. Social activities are fun.  Transporting patients to a Shriner’s Hospital is fun and  rewarding.                                                    

Public Speaking Skills: Many individuals who join the Shrine develop confidence and skill in public speaking.                                                

Citizenship: Every Shriner wears a pin that says “Shriner.” A Shriner is welcomed and encouraged to attend any of the 191 Shrine Centers and their 3,500 units and clubs throughout the United  States, Canada, Mexico and Panama. There are few major cities in  North America that do not have a Shrine Center or Shrine Club.                                       

Assistance when Traveling: Because there are Shrine Centers and Shrine Clubs almost everywhere, many Shriners who have needed  a doctor, lawyer, hotel, dentist or medical advice while traveling have resolved their need quickly through a local Shrine Center.                                 

Entertainment: Every Shrine Center has dances, parties,  meetings and other activities that provide meaningful diversions  to daily life. The Shrine also has regional conferences and national conventions which provide fun at parades as well as  Shrine information and education.

Development of Social Skills: The Shrine is for people who like people and want to make new friends.

Family Programs: Most Shrine activities include the wives of Shriners. Many activities, such as summer picnics, Easter egg hunts, puppet shows and Christmas parties, are targeted towards members’ children, grandchildren and friends.

Practice of Moral and Ethical Standards: Shriners practice  the moral and ethical standards that they learned in Masonry.

Cultural Awareness: Around the world, practically every  religion, country, culture, race, creed, political persuasion, language, color and ethnic identity is found in a Shrine. It is a cross section of the world’s most prominent citizens from every  background. Shriners become aware of other cultures and learn to  love and work with people everywhere. They become better citizens of their community and their country in the process.

Prestige: Shriners are prominent people. They are leaders of business, the professions, art, government, sports, military, religion, and other disciplines. The Shrine is one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious fraternities.

Nice People: Shriners, above all, are nice people: the nicest people on earth. They are also important people who adhere to the policy “that while it is nice to be important, it is more important to be nice.”

For further information contact: James R Hamilton, Kena's Blue Lodge Ambassador, @ (540) 727-7955 or via email @ rhamilton@fairfaxlodge43.org