Shriner Primer

If you don’t think former President Gerald Ford, astronaut Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin, country crooner Brad Paisley and race car driver Sam Hornish Jr., have anything in common besides celebrity, you need the Shriner Primer.

If you think that “Potentate” is the strength of hot sauce that lies somewhere between “mild” and “hot” at your favorite burrito joint, you need the Shriner Primer.

And if you think the only thing Shriners – those guys in the odd-looking, tasseled, red hats in your local Independence Day parade – do is ride around in tiny cars, you really need the Shriner Primer.

Download the Shriner Primer (in PDF format) and enjoy our version of the CliffsNotes® on Shriners International. Spend a few minutes perusing the booklet, and we hope you’ll have a better insight into the Shriners, the fraternity, Freemasonry and Shriners Hospitals for Children®. At the very least, you’ll be able to amaze your friends with your knowledge of American trivia. At the very most, you’ll be inclined to continue learning more!

The first Shriners meeting was held in New York City in 1872.

To become a Shriner, a man first must be a Master Mason.

All Shriners are Masons… but not all Masons are Shriners.

The fez was named after the town of Fez, Morocco, where it originated.

The chief executive officer of Shriners of North America is the Imperial Potentate.

The first Shriners Hospital for Children opened in Shreveport, La., in 1922.

There is never a charge for any of the care or services provided at Shriners Hospitals.

… from the Shriner Primer: The ultimate guide.