Shriners International A Century of Commitment and Hope

Shriners International: A Century of Commitment and Hope

In 1872, Master Masons Walter M Fleming a physician and Billy Florence an actor founded Shriners International in New York City It was originally called the “Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine” and was informally known as the “Shriners of North America.”

The red fez with a black tassel is one of the fraternity’s most distinctive symbols It takes its name from the city of Fez, Morocco, and was inspired by a “One Thousand and One Nights”–themed party that Florence had attended in Europe.

In 1919, Freeland Kendrick proposed the creation of a hospital to provide free medical care to children with the aftereffects of polio. This initiative later evolved into a nationwide pediatric healthcare system in the United States. The first hospital opened in 1922 in Shreveport, Louisiana. A chapter was established in Canada in 1888, in Mexico in 1907, and in Panama in 1918. In 2010, chapters were founded in Puerto Rico and the Philippines; in 2011, in Germany; in 2015, in Brazil; in 2018, in Bolivia; and more recently in Peru, Uruguay, Spain, Australia, and Lebanon

To become a Shriner, one must first be a Master Mason. Values such as brotherhood, family, empathy, and service to others are the pillars on which the organization stands, with a mission to make the world a better place through care for children.

Shriner Temples: A Global Legacy of Commitment and Brotherhood

Guided by Masonic principles, the Shriners transcend borders. They are present on six continents and spread across 15 countries, leaving a tangible impact around the world

Shriners Hospitals: A Journey of Hope

May 12, 1922, in Shreveport, Louisiana, marked a historic moment: the laying of the cornerstone for the first Shriners Hospital Since then, this pioneering institution has grown into one of the largest pediatric healthcare systems in the world Shriners Children’s It also conducts high-quality, groundbreaking research in the areas of burns, orthopedic/musculoskeletal and neurological injuries and conditions, with the goal of improving care and quality of life for children affected by these conditions. Additionally, it trains professionals in the health sciences field

Since its inception, Shriners Children’s has cared for 1 5 million children Its commitment remains unwavering: to provide specialized medical care to children and families, regardless of their ability to pay or insurance status

Pediatric Specialties at Shriners Hospitals: Caring for Children with Precision

The Shriners focus on specific pediatric conditions due to their philanthropic commitment and the origins of their specialized healthcare system for minors: Shriners Children’s The primary conditions treated include the following:

· Gait abnormalities

Arthrogryposis

· Burn care

Pediatric surgery

Colorectal and gastrointestinal (GI) care

· Spine and spinal cord conditions

Care coordination

· Craniofacial conditions

Wound care and skin disorders

· Hip dysplasia

Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease

· Sports medicine

Accessory navicular

· Orthopedics

Abnormal posture

Radiology and diagnostic imaging

· Rheumatology

Early childhood services

· Interpretation services

Pediatric orthotics and prosthetics services (POPS)

· Amniotic band syndrome

Pediatric therapy and rehabilitation

Social Impact and Shriners Chile Membership Insights

Shriners carry out their philanthropic mission in various ways: by volunteering at medical facilities, fundraising, and helping refer children in need of specialized care They also contribute to the growth of the fraternity by recruiting new members and actively participating in local chapters.

Being a Master Mason is the only requirement to become a Shriner But being a Shriner is about more than philanthropy it’s about personal growth and true fellowship Within this institution, lasting friendships are built while supporting the Shriners’ mission

To be both a Master Mason and a Shriner is to be part of an organization with over a century and a half of dedication and service to children making a difference in what one person can do It opens the door to a time-honored brotherhood where hearts are healed, smiles blossom, and lives are transformed With solemnity and purpose, the Chilean Master Mason is invited to cross that threshold because in every step, in every act, a legacy of hope is forged that helps make the world a little brighter.