Shriners Parade 06/21/03

The Shrine of North America

The Shrine is known for its colorful parades, circuses, and clowns; but there is a serious side to this international fraternity of about 500,000 men from 191 Shrine Temples, or chapters, throughout North America.

The Shrine was founded in 1872 by a group of 13 men belonging to the Masonic Order. Originally established to provide entertainment and fellowship to its members, as the organization grew, the membership decided to dedicate their efforts to helping others through a network of specialized hospitals providing medical care to children in need - free of charge.