Growing up, I knew that my father and two uncles were Masons. My father was also a Shriner and was very active in the local Corinthian Lodge 265 and Hound Dawg Shrine Club. He never talked much about it with me, but I could see from observation that the members were very active and respected members of the community. As a young adult, I spoke with my father regarding his membership and asked that he tell me more about Masonry. Soon afterward, I began the process of learning and ultimately becoming a Master Mason. Six years ago I petitioned Ararat Shrine and was accepted into that brotherhood as well.
Many will recognize the names of Masons from history: George Washington, Teddy Roosevelt, Beethoven, Henry Ford, John Glenn, Mark Twain, Gerald Ford, H. Roe Bartle, and Harry Truman, just to name a few. Masons come from all walks of life.
This past weekend, I had the privilege to participate in welcoming 28 new Shriners at the Ararat Shrine Fall Ceremonial. Many may think of the Shriner’s presence in community parades throughout the summer, but there is so much more to being a Shriner than the parades. Camaraderie, deep friendships and good fellowship are also part of being a Shriner. Following is information published by the Missouri Grand Lodge in a brochure titled “Be A Mason, Making A Difference”
“Membership in the brotherhood of Masons means many things. It means being part of an unbroken tradition that stretches back over 500 years to a time when guilds of freemasons traveled throughout Europe laying the stones of the great Gothic cathedrals.
It means sharing the values of our nation’s founding fathers; men who believe in the brotherhood of man are firmly rooted in the Constitution of the United States.
It means becoming a better person while helping to improve the quality of life for others. It means forming deep and lasting friendships that transcend the boundaries of race, religion and culture, as well as those of geography.
But most of all, being a Mason means the kind of deep satisfaction that comes only from selfless giving; from doing for others without asking, or expecting, anything in return.”
Being a Mason is a prerequisite to becoming a Shriner. Shriners support what we believe is the world’s greatest philanthropy, Shriners Hospitals For Children, that provide burn and specialty pediatric care to children under the age of 18. All children are welcome regardless of their parent’s financial status and the care is always provided.
The Masons are always looking for new members who wish to improve themselves. If you are interested, seek out a Mason or Shriner that you know and ask to learn more. Join us! Information is also available at http://bit.ly/beashrinernow.