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Post by Blackadder on Feb 18, 2008 18:49:55 GMT
One thing the Brothers are encouraged to do (,bordering on pressurized ) is to join the Eastern Star!!! Even when the candidate in being interviewed it only takes a few minutes for the subject of your wife joining the Eastern Start be brought up.I would say 90% of the Brothers are in the Eastern Star,I was also told by a Past Master last year if I want to be the WM I would have to join the Eastern Star. have no idea why.
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Post by danael on Feb 18, 2008 21:43:38 GMT
paper plates? We have a full commerical kitchen in our basement. I think we would have to dispense with the good china for such an event.
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Post by danael on Feb 18, 2008 21:45:25 GMT
Alot of masons join the star with thier wives but that should not be a requirement. Our most recent PM is not a member of anything besides the Blue Lodge.
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Post by Blackadder on Feb 18, 2008 21:49:05 GMT
and Styrofoam cups . Remember this is the south we are talking about. We are lucky that the Brothers wear shoes.
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Post by mattjtayl on Feb 19, 2008 1:02:24 GMT
One thing the Brothers are encouraged to do (,bordering on pressurized ) is to join the Eastern Star!!! Even when the candidate in being interviewed it only takes a few minutes for the subject of your wife joining the Eastern Start be brought up.I would say 90% of the Brothers are in the Eastern Star,I was also told by a Past Master last year if I want to be the WM I would have to join the Eastern Star. have no idea why. Wow its amazing how much lodges can contrast. Our lodge has only one officer that is active in the eastern star. There may be others who are members of the star but not active. I never joined the star because at least at our temple it is pretty much exclusively women at the meetings except for 1 mason, our Junior Warden. Most of the wives in our lodge do not belong to the easter star. As a matter of fact membership in the star is not very high in my area.
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Post by Blackadder on Feb 19, 2008 1:34:56 GMT
At my Lodge I can only think of six Brothers who are not members of the Eastern Star. I know of three Lodges in the Orlando area who the floor in not the black and white tiles but the Eastern Star emblem. I asked a Brother "why did you join the Eastern Star?" he replied " so my wife can see what Im up to!", I replied "thats strange because I became a Freemason it get away from mine " ;D From what I see at my Lodge the Eastern Star has way too much clout,in fact a Lodge in Orlando sent the Eastern Star packing as they had had enough of them meddling in things at there lodge that was none of there concern.
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Post by cemab4y on Feb 20, 2008 21:24:38 GMT
I heartily endorse the organization. I would like to give my personal "take" on the Shrine, and clear up a few misconceptions. Anyone interested should check out their website at: Shriners - Welcome. For a "Cliff's Notes" version of the "basics" of the Shrine, check out: www.shrinershq.org/files/memb...inerPrimer.pdfI joined the Shrine in 1988, at Kena Shrine Center, Fairfax VA. I have participated in Shrine centers and activity in Madisonville KY, Columbus OH, Roanoke/Lynchburg VA, Kansas City MO, Memphis TN, Burlington NJ, Philadelphia PA, Norfolk VA, etc. I am not an active Shriner at this time, because I am on extended duty in Iraq. When I return to the USA in 2008, I intend to re-join the Shrine , and be very active. -The Shrine is NOT a "rich man's club". True, there are some Shriners who are affluent, but the organization is open to all Master Masons in good standing. Dues vary from $55 to $90 per year on average, and this works out to less than 25 cents per day. The hospital assessment is $5 per year. The organization is well within reach of almost every Master Mason. A fez can be purchased for about $65. -The Shrine does NOT take a tremendous amount of time. However, you can spend as much time as you like. If you get involved with a unit, the hours spent on fund-raisers, and performances, and rehearsals will add up. You do NOT have to join a unit right away, or at all, to be a Shriner. You should join the Shrine first, then "shop around" for an activity or unit that interests you. In my case, I did not find a unit that appealed to me, so I started an "amateur radio club" to support the Shrine center with two-way radio communications. -The Shrine has activities for the member AND HIS LADY. This is very important. NO other masonically-related organization takes such emphasis on including the ladies in the activities. Most socials, dances, dinners,etc. are OPEN to the member and his lady. My wife was always supportive of all of my masonic activities, but never willing to participate. In Columbus OH, we joined a hillbillies club, and dressed in hillbilly hats and bib overalls. We went to "hoe-downs" out in the boondocks, and drank white lightning, and had covered-dish suppers, and danced and had really enjoyable times. -The Shrine is NOT a masonic organization. There is no masonic ritual work, or continuation of the degrees as is found in the Blue Lodge or the York/Scottish Rites. An individual must be a Master Mason in good standing to join the Shrine, and if you drop out of the Blue Lodge, then you must leave the Shrine as well. However, the Shrine is for most members, a very important and enjoyable part of the Masonic experience. -The Shrine hospitals are truly the "worlds greatest philanthropy" We support 22 hospitals where all treatment is provided FREE. I have helped transport children to our hospitals, and I have seen up close the terrific work that is accomplished in the hospitals. I once transported a two-year old child, who was born with spina bifida (spinal cord did not close properly). He had to have twelve operations by the time he was two years old. His father pumped gas, and had no medical insurance. I highly encourage all Masons, who are considering the Shrine, to arrange a tour of a Shriners hospital or burn center. -The Shrine is not without problems. Membership was almost a million men, in 1990, and it has trailed off to less than 500,000 now. The average age is up above 60 and increasing. I supported the dropping of the requirement of being a KT/32d to join the Shrine. Sadly, the change did not do very much to increase the number of members. Here is an interesting, but sad article on the state of the Shrine in Tacoma, Wash. dwb.thenewstribune.com/business/story/6029872p-5294105c.htmlIf anyone has any specific questions about the Shrine, their hospitals, the units/clubs, or anything about the Shrine, I will be delighted to answer them, just PM me, or leave your inquiry here.
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Post by cemab4y on Feb 20, 2008 21:25:18 GMT
If any young person is "put off" or offended by the "Arabian Nights" motif of the Shrine, they are better of leaving the Shrine alone. The Shrine is better off without such people, as well. The symbols are not "antiquated" ; they have only been used since the founding of the Shrine, in the 1870's. Let us examine them:
The Scimitar stands for the membership, the "backbone" of the Shrine.
The Sphinx-face stands for the governing body of the Shrine, the imperial council.
The two claws of the inverted crescent stand for the fraternity and philanthropy. Neither of the claws are identified, because one could not exist without the other.
The Star is for the thousands of Children who are helped in our hospitals every year. The Star stands front and center in the symbolism, because it is the focus and reason for our existence.
If any young person finds these symbols offensive, or "antiquated", they should not have anything to do with the Shrine. The Shrine can deal with it.
The Shrine is NOT a masonic organization, but an organization composed of men who are masons. This sounds like legal nit-picking, but it is actually very important. When Billy Florence and Walter Fleming set up the Shrine in 1870, they wanted to organize a club, which would stress fun and frivolity; which by its very definition is far removed from the serious and ancient teachings of Freemasonry.
In order to petition (apply) for the Shrine, a man must first be a Craft Mason. With this small pool of potential recruits, and the advanced age of Masons in the USA, the average age of new Shriners, is also creeping upwards.
Except for the fact that Shriners must be masons first, there is no "integration" with respect to the Scottish Rite, nor of Craft Masonry (nor of ANY other appendant and concordant body). And that is exactly how the Shrine was designed to operate. The Shrine, is an independent stand-alone organization, and has no subordination to ANY lodge, Grand Lodge, the Scottish Rite, nor of any other appendant body anywhere.
This ensures a full measure of independence for the Shrine. Our philanthropy (Hospitals for children) operate outside of the purview or oversight of any Masonic body. This is necessary, or else the lodges/Grand Lodges would take over the whole organization.
Most Grand Lodges in the USA, forbid alcoholic beverages within their subordinate lodges. The Shrine permits the moderate use of alcoholic beverages. The grand Lodges forbid gambling, even penny-ante poker games in their lodges. The Shrine has no such restrictions, and the Nobles often enjoy this pastime. The grand Lodges have tight restrictions on fund-raising, raffles, etc. The Shrine is not encumbered by these regulations, and thence can have Circuses, grapefruit sales, etc. Most masonic events are 'stag', while the Shrine has a multitude of events, dances, parties, etc. for the Noble AND his lady. No other Masonic group has more co-ed activities than the Shrine.
I cherish the Shrine. Certainly, the organization has problems. We are dealing with the problems. Even though the Shrine is far removed from the serious teachings of Craft Masonry; for many people, the Shrine is their most enjoyable part of the masonic experience. This sounds contradictory, but it really is not.
Like two flying buttresses which support a ceiling, the two opposing experiences of serious self-discovery and self-improvement of Craft masonry, and the relaxation and frivolity of the Shrine experience, work together to support a man's life and spirit. Masonry has its meetings and instructions in private, and the Shrine is an open, public organization, which has parades, and circuses, and all types of public activities.
These are the "yin and yang" of the Masonic experience. All men have a need for fun and frivolity. If the frivolity can support a marvelous philanthropy, like the Shrine hospitals, then so much the better. The Shrine touches a definite spark, in the spirit of its membership. It reaches to the "boy in the man", the need to celebrate the good things in life, the desire to be public with your joy, the fraternal bond that extends from good fellowship, dining, and the moderate use of alcoholic beverages.
The Arabian Nights theme of the Shrine, seems archaic, I agree. But this is our splendid tradition, the "anchor" of the whole organization. It hearkens to a simpler time, when men and boys found an escape, from ordinary life, to a world of shieks, and harem girls, and flying carpets, and genies, and the marvelous mysticism of the Thousand and One Nights, and the tales of Scheherazade. This experience is not unlike today's youth fascination with the "Harry Potter" books.
There will always be a fascination, in the mind of men and boys, with mysticism and magic, and flying , whether it be on a flying carpet across the Arabian desert, or flying on a broom at the Hogwart's school. Whether Wizards or Wiziers, the same note of fascination is touched.
So, let us move on, away from a petty hang-up on symbolism, and forward to a new understanding of the joys of fellowship and fraternity. The Shrine will always be the Shrine, its renaissance is in our hands.
SO MOTE IT BE!! ES SALEIMU ALEIKUM!! __________________ Charles E. Martin Taji, Iraq cemaby4@hotmail.com
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Post by maximus on Feb 20, 2008 21:44:15 GMT
I'm sure the Shrine has it's place, but I have no interest in the frivolities described. To each his own.
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Post by lauderdale on Feb 20, 2008 23:06:56 GMT
Likewise, as I am a rather serious person with little if any Sense of Humour, the Shrine would not be for me. However I have a great admiration for the good work they do for sick children especially those who have been burned. I salute you Nobles!
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Post by maximus on Feb 20, 2008 23:15:11 GMT
Yes, the charitable work the Shrine does reflects credit upon it's members.
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Post by danael on Feb 21, 2008 14:21:48 GMT
Membership in the Shrine is not for everyone. However, you can support the hospitals through personal donations if you so desire. You can even donate directly to the hospital of your choice or donate to the temple nearest you and tell them it's for the hospital fund. We shriners do alot of work for the hospitals but alot of the finances come from private individuals. es selamu aleikum
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Post by windtimber on Feb 21, 2008 15:55:16 GMT
Membership in the Shrine is not for everyone. However, you can support the hospitals through personal donations if you so desire. You can even donate directly to the hospital of your choice or donate to the temple nearest you and tell them it's for the hospital fund. We shriners do alot of work for the hospitals but alot of the finances come from private individuals. es selamu aleikum That would be: Shriners Hospitals for Children 2900 Rocky Point Drive Tampa, FL 33607
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Post by cemab4y on Feb 22, 2008 20:46:29 GMT
I am the first one to concur with the statement, that the Shrine is not for everyone. The joy and celebrations of the Shrine, require a certain frame of mind. Nevertheless, I get really steamed, when otherwise well-informed people (some of them Masons) dismiss the Shrine as a bunch of "party-boys", and engage in "Shrine-bashing". Here is a report from 2006, that I find very interesting. The data for 2007 has not yet been made available, but the expenditures will definetly be higher than 2006. (Medical costs have increased-BTW).
With all the complaints about the high cost of medical care, people are still not aware, that all Shrine medical care is FREE. And this does not include just the work done in the hospitals. ALL transportation, psychological counseling, out-patient procedures, etc. are all FREE. Hospitality for parents and siblings is also provided free, Parents never sleep in their cars, at a Shriner's hospital. ALL wheelchairs, artificial limbs, and all additional medical-related expenditures needed by the children is provided free.
So, the next time, somebody dismisses the Shrine, as a "bunch of drunks", keep this in mind:
A little old facts, but thought some may find it interesting.
Facts
In 2006, Shriners Hospitals approved 38,984 new patient applications, attended to the needs of 128,578 patients and provided the following:
· 251,461 radiology procedures · 296,859 outpatient, outreach and telemedicine visits · 61,103 orthotic and prosthetic devices · 24,609 surgical procedures · 412,387 physical therapy treatments · 181,174 occupational therapy treatments
Figures
Shriners Hospitals' total budget for 2007 is $721 million, of which $655 million is targeted for operating expenses (including $37 million for research) and $66 million for buildings and equipment expenditures.
During the nearly 85-year history of the Shriners Hospitals, it has cost approximately $8.2 billion to operate Shriners Hospitals, and over $1.76 billion has been spent on construction and renovation.
Orthopaedic Hospitals
The 18 orthopaedic Shiners Hospitals are dedicated to providing specialized medical and rehabilitative services to children with congenital deformities, problems resulting from orthopaedic injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Some of the most commonly treated disorders include clubfoot, limb deficiencies and discrepancies, scoliosis, osteogenesis imperfecta (brittle bone disease), juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and problems related to spina bifida, cerebral palsy, dwarfism and muscular dystrophy.
Burn Care
Located in Galveston, Boston, Cincinnati and Sacramento, the Shriners burn hospitals have been leaders in burn research since opening in the mid-1960s. Treatment is provided for severe burn injuries and related scarring, along with physical and emotional rehabilitation. This vast experience and knowledge has had far-reaching affects on burn treatment techniques worldwide.
Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation
In the 1980s, Shriners Hospitals established a spinal cord injury rehabilitation program for children. These programs, at the Chicago, Northern California and Philadelphia hospitals, are among the few in the United States specifically designed to treat children and teenagers with spinal cord injuries.
Cleft Lip and Palate Repair
In 2005, the Joint Boards of Shriners Hospitals officially added cleft lip and palate repair to the mission. The program is expanding, based on the model of Shriners Hospital-Chicago, which has been treating children with cleft lip and palate for more than 35 years. ================================================================= Have any of you ever visited a Shriner's Hospital? I have transported the kids, and their parents. I cherish the Shrine. This is why.
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Post by cemab4y on Feb 22, 2008 21:01:54 GMT
Is the Shrine only associated with US Freemasonry? ==At the current time, the Ancient Arabic Order, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, has Shrine centers (formerly known as temples) only in North America (USA, Canada, Mexico, and Panama). Nevertheless, there are Shriners worldwide, in many countries. The North American Shrine centers, share jurisdiction among the various countries. The Shrine center with jurisdiction for the British Isles, and Ireland is Aleppo Shrine in Boston Massachusetts. Saudi Arabia, and the surrounding countries are under the aegis of the Shrine center in Dallas, Texas. Shriners in the Phillippines, and Japan, and other Pacific Rim countries are under the jurisdiction of Shrine centers in California. Some of the Shriners in the UK, are in the process of organizing a "virtual Shrine center", that will not have a fixed building, but will be a 100% British operation, with sole jurisdiction for the British Isles and Ireland. Shrine-Masonry is picking up in Latin America as well. The first fixed Shrine center outside of North America will probably be constructed in Brazil. For a more comprehensive view of the Shrine, please visit: www.shrinershq.orgRegardless of where you reside, if you are a Mason, and wish to participate in the Greatest Philanthropy on earth, there is a way. I encourage all interested persons to investigate and apply.
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Post by leonardo on Feb 22, 2008 22:33:16 GMT
Thank you Bro. Charles for that very informative post. It's very interesting to read about the possibilities of a Shrine presence in Ireland.
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Post by droche on Mar 4, 2008 0:25:14 GMT
Quite honestly, in the 22 years that I was active in my lodge I did not see so much "hatred" for the Shrine (that is not to say that it does not exist), but there was some animosity, and from what I observed, the animosity was caused by the following factors:
People joining just so they could get into the Shrine. Members of the Shrine putting Shrine activities above Blue/Craft Lodge and appendant body activities. The Shrine considering separation from Freemasonry. The Shrine eliminating the York/Scottish Rite membership requirement in order to join the Shrine. The alcohol factor.
I was a Shrine member for several years. It was fun; I enjoyed it but it was difficult to balance responsibilities to Blue/Craft Lodge and also to give the Shrine their due.
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Post by devoutfreemason on Mar 4, 2008 18:09:40 GMT
IMHO I believe that the Shrine should go thier own way as they are thier own thing. I do not see how "Mirth Is King" can be compadable with Masonic morality.
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Post by windtimber on Mar 5, 2008 17:00:15 GMT
IMHO I believe that the Shrine should go thier own way as they are thier own thing. I do not see how "Mirth Is King" can be compadable with Masonic morality. Oh, come on now. I think it was Garrison Keillor who told the story, in one of his annual Prairie Home Companion joke shows, of Moses coming down the mountain, slipping, dropping one of the tablets, and the 11th Commandment "Though shalt not laugh" being broken off...
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Post by devoutfreemason on Mar 5, 2008 17:45:31 GMT
IMHO I believe that the Shrine should go thier own way as they are thier own thing. I do not see how "Mirth Is King" can be compadable with Masonic morality. Oh, come on now. I think it was Garrison Keillor who told the story, in one of his annual Prairie Home Companion joke shows, of Moses coming down the mountain, slipping, dropping one of the tablets, and the 11th Commandment "Though shalt not laugh" being broken off... I am not knocking the Shrine, but I just fail to see what they have to do with Freemasonry. They seem to be dedicated to excess. That is all well and good I suppose but it seems to hardly fall in line with Masonic temperance of passions.
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