Founders
William J. “Billy” Florence
Long before the concept of the hospital came about, a group of Freemasons set the stage for what Shriners International is today. In 1870, several thousand residents of Manhattan belonged to the fraternity of Freemasonry. A group of 13 of these Masons gathered frequently for lunch at the Knickerbocker Cottage and discussed forming a new fraternity for Masons. They wanted a fraternity that was focused on fun and fellowship, while still adhering to the Masonic principles of brotherhood, charity and truth.
Dr. Walter M. Fleming and actor William J. “Billy” Florence, took the idea seriously and were determined to create a new fraternity.
Dr. Walter M. Fleming
Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine
(AAONMS)
While on tour in France, Florence attended a party hosted by an Arabian diplomat. Immediately intrigued by the Near Eastern theme of the party, Florence thought the vibrant colors and pageantry would be a perfect backdrop for the new fraternity. This was the beginning of the Shriners’ theme of the red fez and other distinctive symbols. The fraternity’s Arabian theme is similar to the Greek origins used by college fraternities.
While on tour in France, Florence attended a party hosted by an Arabian diplomat. Immediately intrigued by the Near Eastern theme of the party, Florence thought the vibrant colors and pageantry would be a perfect backdrop for the new fraternity. This was the beginning of the Shriners’ theme of the red fez and other distinctive symbols. The fraternity’s Arabian theme is similar to the Greek origins used by college fraternities.
The official name of the fraternity has evolved over the decades. In 2010, a resolution was passed to officially replace the name with Shriners International, to better reflect the fraternity’s presence worldwide.
