A Guide for New Shriners
Introduction and Welcome
So, you have become a Shriner!
You are already a Master Mason within the Masonic Fraternity — and now you have joined another organization you may know little or nothing about.
This booklet has been prepared to help you feel informed, comfortable, and confident as you become familiar with the Shrine and the important role it can play in your life.
Many events — including social gatherings, parades, presentations, and fund-raising initiatives — are hosted by Rameses Shrine and other Shrine Centres. New Nobles are warmly encouraged to attend and participate.
As a new Shriner, you will be known as Noble [Name] and recognized as a member of the Shrine fraternity.
We know you are a good man, and we are proud to have you as part of Rameses Shrine. We recognize that you have made a commitment to the fraternity and to the children it supports, and we sincerely appreciate that dedication.
Our community includes Nobles who have been involved with Rameses Shriners for many years, as well as those who are newly joining us. All are happy to provide support, guidance, or assistance — now or in the future — should you have any questions. All you need to do is ask.
We invite you to read through this booklet and keep it handy for future reference. At Rameses Shrine, we are proud of our commitment to Shriner families, the values and initiatives of Shriners International, and above all, to the children and hospital system that unite Shriners across Canada and around the world. Welcome!
What is a Shriner?
A Shriner is a man who professes a faith to a Supreme Being. As a man of faith, he uses the tools of moral and ethical truths to serve mankind.
A Shriner binds himself to like-minded men in a Brotherhood that transcends all religious, ethical, social, cultural, and educational differences. In fellowship with his brothers, a Shriner finds ways in which to serve his God, his family, his fellow man, and his country. A Shriner is dedicated. He recognizes his responsibility for justice, truth, charity, enlightenment, freedom and liberty, honesty, and integrity in all aspects of human endeavor.
Mission of Shriners International
Be the premier fraternal organization for men of good character.
Provide attractive, quality programs and services for its members, their families and their friends in a spirit of fun, fellowship and social camaraderie. Foster self-improvement through leadership, education, the perpetuation of moral values and community involvement.
Serve mankind through the resources of its Philanthropy, Shriners Hospitals for Children.
What Do I Wear? Where Do I Stand? What Do I Say?
Formal Events (Balls, Ceremonials, Special Events)
These are often semi-formal or formal. Black tux or Club Suit if approved is common. Expect formal introductions of officers. Applaud when officers are recognized. Stand for Anthem(s), stay seated for allegiance and toasts.
Special Dinners, Installations, and Club Level Dinners
“Sunday best” or business casual is usually acceptable.
Fundraising and Casual Events
Casual dress is acceptable. Members of the Divan or Appointed Divan will usually be dressed in similar outfits and have name tags. If you have questions about where you should be or what you should be doing, feel free to approach these Nobles.
Dress Code Guidelines
Remember, this is only a guideline as Dress Code means different things in different parts of Shriners International. Typically, the Dress Code will be included with the invitation to an event.
| Event | Nobles | Notes |
| Formal (Balls, Ceremonials, Special Events) | Black Tux or Club Suit if approved | |
| Cocktail | Suit, Dress Shirt, Tie | |
| Dinner Attire, Special Dinners, Club Level Dinners | Suit, Sport Coat, Tie | |
| Casual, Summer | Slacks, shorts, casual shirt | |
| Parade Attire | Club/unit decision | |
| Fundraising and Casual Events | Casual dress acceptable |
Fez Etiquette
In Shriners International culture, wearing the fez is a significant moment of pride. Here is your guide to wearing it correctly at events and ceremonies.
The “Golden Rule” of Alignment
- The Nose Check: The emblem (scimitar and sphinx) must be perfectly centered. A common trick is to align the center star of the emblem directly with the bridge of your nose.
- The Level Top: The top of the fez must be level, not tilted. It should look “square” on your head rather than leaning back like a casual cap.
- The “One-Finger” Gap: For the most professional look, the bottom brim should sit exactly one finger-width above your eyebrows with no hair visible in the front.
Managing the Tassel
- Placement: The tassel should hang down the side (typically your left) and move freely. Before you walk out, ensure the strands are straight and not caught in the emblem or your collar.
- Pinning: A maximum of two pins or clasps may be used to secure the tassel. These should be official tassel pins; the fez is not a “bulletin board,” so avoid adding extra flair or non-sanctioned pins.
Handling with Care: Never crush or crease the felt. When packing for an event, ensure it is stored upright in its case.
Social Protocol: Remove the fez during a prayer and hold it over your heart with the temple name showing. During the national anthem, keep it on and salute.
Meetings and Events Etiquette
Shrine Pledge of Allegiance
“I pledge allegiance to my flag, and to the country for which it stands; one nation under God; indivisible; with liberty and justice for all.”
When this pledge is used in Canada, Shriners salute.
National Anthems
Shriners should show respect for all the flags and anthems. Canadian Nobles should stand and sing the Canadian National Anthem (O Canada). For other countries’ anthems, stand with hands respectfully at sides (or sing).
O Canada
O Canada! Our home and native land! True patriot love in all of us command. With glowing hearts we see thee rise, The True North strong and free! From far and wide, O Canada, We stand on guard for thee. God keep our land glorious and free! O Canada, we stand on guard for thee. O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
The Star-Spangled Banner
O say can you see, by the dawn’s early light, What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming, Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight, O’er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming? And the rocket’s red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there; O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
God Save the King
“God Save the King,” when used, should be sung by all when standing. If a toast is proposed to His Majesty the King, all should rise and respond with “the King.”
God save our gracious King! Long live our noble King! God save the King! Send him victorious, Happy and glorious, Long to reign over us, God save the King!
Invocation and Prayers
At most banquets and meals, the Chaplain or a designee gives an invocation or blessing, and prayers are offered at meetings or memorial services. Shriners stand, remove their Fez, hold it over their hearts, bow their heads, and respond with “So mote it be.”
Leadership Structure
To be updated.
Terms, Activities and Events Common to the Shrine
- Crescent & Scimitar – The older Shrine emblem.
- Fez – The red head gear worn by Shriners; the current Shrine emblem.
- Hospitals – Shriners International has 22 hospitals to help children with orthopedic, spinal column, cleft lip and palate, and burn needs.
- Illustrious Sir – The correct title of the present and past Potentates of a Temple.
- Imperial Divan – The governing body of Shriners International.
- Imperial Sir – Title given to an officer of the Imperial Divan.
- Masonic – Every Shriner must be a member of this Fraternity.
- Noble – The title each Shriner is addressed by.
- Stated Meeting – The regular business meeting of the temple.
- Shriners Hospitals for Children – The organization that runs the hospital system (also referred to as the Colorado Corporation at Imperial Sessions).
- Shriners International – The organization that runs the Fraternity (also referred to as the Iowa Corporation at Imperial Sessions).
Your Masonic Connection
As a Shriner, you are already a Master Mason within the Masonic Fraternity. The Shrine builds on the values and brotherhood of Freemasonry, extending them through a spirit of fun, philanthropy, and fellowship. Your Masonic background is the foundation upon which your Shrine membership is built.
Welcome, Noble — we are proud to have you with us!