Freemason vs. Shriner

Attribute	Freemason	Shriner
Organization	Freemasonry	Shriners International
Membership	Freemasons	Shriners
Symbol	Square and Compasses	Fez
Focus	Philosophical teachings	Philanthropy and community service
Requirements	Belief in a Supreme Being	Master Mason in good standing

History

Freemasonry is a fraternal organization that traces its origins back to the local fraternities of stonemasons, who built the cathedrals and castles of the Middle Ages. The modern Freemasonry we know today began in the early 18th century in England. On the other hand, the Shriners are a spin-off organization from Freemasonry, founded in 1870 in New York City. The Shriners were established as a fun and philanthropic branch of Freemasonry, with an emphasis on camaraderie and charity work.

Membership

Freemasonry is open to men of good character who believe in a higher power, regardless of their religious beliefs. Members must go through a series of rituals and ceremonies to progress through the ranks of the organization. The Shriners, on the other hand, are a subset of Freemasonry and membership is open only to Master Masons who have completed the third degree. Shriners must also participate in various rituals and ceremonies, but their focus is more on social activities and fundraising for their charitable endeavors.

Symbolism

Freemasonry is known for its use of symbols and allegorical teachings to impart moral lessons to its members. Some of the most common symbols in Freemasonry include the square and compass, the apron, and the trowel. The Shriners also use symbols in their rituals and ceremonies, but their most recognizable symbol is the fez, a red hat with a black tassel. The fez is worn by Shriners at their meetings and events, and is a symbol of their membership in the organization.

Philanthropy

Both Freemasonry and the Shriners are known for their charitable work and philanthropic endeavors. Freemasons support a variety of causes, including scholarships for students, disaster relief efforts, and medical research. The Shriners are perhaps best known for their network of children's hospitals, which provide specialized medical care to children with orthopedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate. The Shriners Hospitals for Children are funded through donations and fundraising efforts by Shriners members.

Meetings and Events

Freemasons typically meet in lodges, which are local chapters of the organization. Lodge meetings often include rituals, ceremonies, and discussions on moral and philosophical topics. The Shriners, on the other hand, meet in temples, which are their own distinct meeting places. Shriners temples host a variety of social events, including parades, parties, and fundraisers. Both organizations hold regular meetings and events to foster camaraderie among their members.

Membership Requirements

To become a Freemason, a man must be at least 18 years old and of good moral character. He must also believe in a higher power, although Freemasonry does not promote any specific religious beliefs. The process of joining Freemasonry involves submitting an application, being interviewed by members of the lodge, and going through an initiation ceremony. To become a Shriner, a man must first become a Master Mason, which involves completing the first three degrees of Freemasonry. Once he has achieved this, he can petition to join the Shriners and go through their initiation process.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Freemasonry and the Shriners are both fraternal organizations with a long history of charitable work and philanthropy. While Freemasonry focuses on moral and philosophical teachings through symbolism and ritual, the Shriners place more emphasis on social activities and fundraising for their children's hospitals. Both organizations require members to be of good character and believe in a higher power, but the process of joining and the activities they engage in differ slightly. Overall, both Freemasonry and the Shriners provide opportunities for men to come together in fellowship and service to their communities.