About Us
Who are Shriners?
Shriners International is a fraternity of approximately 350,000 members who belong to local Shrine chapters throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, South America and the Far East. Founded in New York City in 1872, the organization is composed solely of Master Masons. Since 1922, they have operated the Shriners Hospitals for Children, a 22-hospital system providing medical care to any child under the age of 18 with burn injuries, spinal cod injuries, orthopedic conditions, and cleft lip and palate. They are eligible for care and receive all services in a family-centered environment, regardless of the patients’ ability to pay.
Shriners International is a fraternity based on fun, fellowship and the Masonic principles of brotherly love, relief and truth with nearly 200 Shrine Centers (chapters) in seven countries and thousands of clubs around the world.
About Bektash
Bektash Shrine was instituted on February 14, 1905 in Concord, New Hampshire under the stewardship of Noble Ben Rowell, Aleppo Shrine’s Recorder, and for a time, Imperial Recorder. The Officers of Aleppo undertook “work of the Order”. Approximately 350 Nobles were in attendance – 105 of whom were candidates. Nobel William F. Ray was Potentate Under Dispensation, and Nobel Frank D. Woodbury was Recorder.
Noble John McLean, Governor of New Hampshire as well as many State officials were present for the festivities.
*Information thanks to Noble John Wilder from the 1905 Imperial Proceedings
Our Mission and Activities
The Mission of Bektash Shriners is:
– To be the fraternity that provides premier family centered fun and fellowship for Masons.
– To create a positive image of Bektash Shriners within our Masonic community as well as our local communities.
– To increase awareness, visibility and continued support of our Philanthropy, supporting Shriners Hospitals for Children.
