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Exploring the Masonic Family
Freemasonry is composed of several layers of membership, including organizations of men, women, and youth within a multifaceted community. This system forms a vast support network, fostering bonds that extend globally into what’s commonly termed the “Masonic Family.” While becoming a Master Mason is the highest level in Freemasonry, its richness extends through supplementary Masonic bodies, offering a trove of wisdom and opportunities.
The Appendant & Concordant bodies serve as additional avenues for collective involvement, inviting participation in social events, educational pursuits, philanthropic initiatives, and ceremonial traditions. They create spaces where members can continue their journey of growth, contributing meaningfully to the community and perpetuating the timeless values of Freemasonry. rough these varied experiences, Freemasonry instills unity, tradition, and an enduring sense of kinship.
SHRINERS INTERNATIONAL
Shriners believe fun and philanthropy are central to fellowship and are great Master Masons committed to making an even greater difference together.
Shriners enjoy a wide variety of activities and family-friendly events, and they participate in sports and recreation, motor corps patrols, and more. The iconic red fez with a black tassel stands as a distinctive symbol of the fraternity.
With a history rooted in healthcare, Shriners initiated an innovative concept: a hospital offering free care for children with orthopedic conditions. Today, this vision has evolved into a comprehensive healthcare system across North America, encompassing hospitals, clinics, and telehealth services, providing specialized care regardless of a family’s fi nancial means. Shriners Children’s now covers areas like burn care, spinal cord injuries, cleft lip and palate, sports injury care, and rehabilitation.
Oregon proudly hosts two shrine temples: Al Kader & Hillah.
BeAShrinerNow.com
YORK RITE
York Rite Masonry is comprised of three bodies: Royal Arch Masons, Council of Cryptic Masons, and Commandery of Knights Templar. These degrees expand Masonic knowledge and foster new friendships beyond the Lodge.
Each York Rite body supports unique charities: Royal Arch aids auditory disorders and autism, Cryptic Masons fund cardiovascular disease research, and Knights Templar supports eye research and education for children, alongside funding visits to the Holy Lands.
Engaging in all three bodies is encouraged for a comprehensive experience. Participation amplifies Masonic knowledge and cultivates friendships, enriching the fraternal bond of Masonry across local, national, and international levels. All Master Masons may apply.
SCOTTISH RITE
The Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Southern Jurisdiction, offers degrees from the 4th to the 32nd, serving as a Masonic educational hub enhancing ritual work and involvement in Blue Lodge. The process involves petitioning one of the nine Valleys across the state, where initiation occurs during a celebratory reunion ceremony featuring performances of the degrees.
Engaged in various charitable endeavors, the Scottish Rite aids victims of natural disasters nationally and supports Oregon’s youth with speech and reading difficulties. Additionally, it offers educational scholarships and financial aid for medical expenses through local foundations.
Proficient Master Masons from recognized Lodges in Oregon can apply for Scottish Rite membership.
OregonScottishRite.org
WIDOWS SONS
The Widows Sons is one of the world’s largest motorcycle associations, exclusively comprised of Master Masons. Members embark on multiday motorcycle camping trips, poker runs, charity-driven toy runs, and more. You might even catch sight of a group of leather-clad riders arriving at a Lodge, embodying a unique blend of camaraderie and a passion for motorcycling.
Any Brother who shares a love for motorcycles is welcome. Masons living in an area with no chapter can start a chapter with as few as five Master Masons.
Discover more about joining by connecting with your local Widows Sons chapter or reaching out to Darrin Taylor, guardian of membership, at DarrinTaylor242@yahoo.com. Darrin will introduce you to members from the nearest chapter.
WidowsSonsOregon.org
ORDER OF THE AMARANTH
The Order of the Amaranth is a fraternal, social, charitable, and philanthropic organization comprised of both men and women with Masonic affiliation.
Its focus spans social activities, nurturing growth, and diverse faiths within the membership.
Its central values are Truth, Faith, Wisdom, and Charity, guiding personal growth and a commitment to aiding others. The primary cause is the Amaranth Diabetes Foundation, channeling 100% of funds to diabetes research without any administrative costs. Amaranth also supports Masonic youth scholarships.
Join to make a difference in local communities.
OregonAmaranth.org
ORDER OF THE EASTERN STAR
The Grand Chapter of Oregon is part of an international co-ed organization, aiding communities, supporting Oregon-based charities and overseeing Masonic retirement communities and aid programs. Annually, $80-100,000 is given to local charities, focusing on Cancer Research at Oregon Health Sciences University and Paws Assisting Veterans. It engages in service projects, fundraisers, and social gatherings.
Membership eligibility includes being a Master Mason or a woman related to one, or a member of Masonic youth organizations. If you’re passionate about community improvement, global charity impact, and caring for our Masonic family, call 503-701-7488 or email GrandSecretary@OregonOES.org.
OregonOES.org
DAUGHTERS OF THE NILE
Daughters of the Nile empowers women to champion friendship, character, intellect, and service worldwide. The core mission is championing Shriners Children’s medical services. With annual donations of $2 million and $1 million in-kind support, its contributions exceed $74 million since 1924.
Nydia Temple No. 4 in Portland thrives near the Shriners Children’s hospital, offering volunteer roles such as patient greeters, transportation aides, and creators of personalized items including quilts, pillowcases, wheelchair activity bags, and bespoke hospital projects.
Daughters of the Nile. It's worth your while!
DaughtersOfTheNile.org
INT’L ORDER OF THE RAINBOW FOR GIRLS
The International Order of the Rainbow for Girls empowers young women aged 10 to 20, fostering leadership, public speaking, and character development while forming lifelong friendships.
Each year, Oregon Rainbow supports a chosen charity, this year aiming to raise $10,000 for Our Children Oregon’s internship program, addressing child advocacy and literacy issues. Volunteer efforts prioritize early literacy learning.
Emphasizing positive values, Rainbow promotes strength, kindness, respect for nature, and compassion toward humanity. Parents and young women seeking membership can access applications and local assembly details online.
Serve. Lead. Grow. Inspire. Have Fun!
OregonRainbow.org
DEMOLAY
For one hundred years, Oregon DeMolay has helped boys become men of outstanding character, through dedicated mentorships and unique, hands-on life-skill programs.
Oregon DeMolay is dedicated to fostering leadership, team building, and networking in young men aged 12-21. The Squire program includes boys aged 9-11. There are chapters in 12 Oregon communities.
The Masonic Family can spread the word about this organization, encouraging more young men to join statewide, and participate as advisors. Visit the website for details, events, chapter locations, and membership.
The Road Begins Here
ORDemolay.org
JOB’S DAUGHTERS INTERNATIONAL
Job’s Daughters International welcomes young women aged 10 to 21, offering opportunities to learn leadership skills, plan activities, and engage with diverse groups.
They organize dances, sleepovers, etc., aiming to foster confidence and leadership abilities, building lifelong local and international friendships.
Their charity, H.I.K.E., aids hearing impaired children by raising funds for hearing devices. Additionally, members collaborate with Masonic groups to support causes like Shriners Hospitals.
Symbolized by white robes emphasizing inner worth over appearance, Job’s Daughters prepares young women to be confident leaders. Membership requires a Masonic connection or sponsorship and a belief in a higher power, emphasizing personal values.
Sisters • Leaders • Friends
OrioJD.org
