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There are over 411,000 Shriners worldwide. In order to become a
Shriner, a man must first be a Mason. The fraternity of Freemasonry
is the oldest, largest and most widely known fraternity in the
world. It dates back hundreds of years to the time when stonemasons
and other craftsmen gathered in shelter houses or lodges. Over the
years, formal Masonic lodges emerged, with members bound together
not by trade, but by their own desire to be fraternal brothers.
The basic unit of Masonry is the Blue Lodge, where members earn the
first three Masonic Degrees known as the Entered Apprentice, Fellow
Craft and Master Mason. There is no higher degree than that of
Master Mason (the Third Degree) In Kentucky, the following criteria
must be met in order to receive the Three Degrees of Freemasonry; a
man, of legal age (at least 18 in Kentucky) and believe in God, for
no atheist can become a Mason.
After he becomes a Master Mason, he can belong to many other
organizations which have their roots in Masonry and which have Blue
Lodge Masonry as a prerequisite. Only when a man has achieved the
status of Master Mason can he petition to become a Noble of the
Shrine of North America.
If you are NOT a Mason and are a male at least 21 years of age,
believe in God and wish to join Freemasonry, please visit the
website of the Grand Lodge of Kentucky for more information.
If you are already a Mason in good standing and reside in Kentucky,
you can download an application in PDF format (Located below, opens
in a new window) for membership. If you already know a Shriner, you
can give him the application once you complete it or if you wish,
you can contact our office for more information. |
