The Order of the White Shrine of Jerusalem is an International Masonic Order.  It is an affiliated fraternal organization to which men and women can belong and was organized in October of 1894.  This organization has a threefold purpose: charitable, social and fraternal.  The order is based upon the Christian religion, and its teachings are scriptural.  The benevolent fund, which is called the Material Objective is supported through voluntary donations and income from the endowment, and is used to help those in need of rahabilitation regardless of race, creed, sect or age.

The Supreme Shrine is the organization under which the subordinate Shrines are organized and provides administration for the constitution and by-laws under which each Shrine operates.  It meets once a year in May for its legislative session, and gives everyone who attends the opportunity to get acquainted with other members throughout the United States and Canada.

Membership in our order is open to any man who is a Master Mason in good standing, and to any woman who is related to a Master Mason in good standing.  After receiving a petition from a Shrine, and filling in the proper information, you are visited by an investigating committee who reports back to the Shrine where a vote is taken after which you are notified of the results and when to attend for initiation.  Our ceremonial, which is the intiatory work, is based on the birth of Jesus Christ.

Fidelity Shrine #11, which is located here in Lawrence, Kansas has been chartered since May of 1951.  It is one of the five Shrines in Kansas and meets once a month for ten months per year where a business meeting is held with fellowship following.  There are three Shrines in this area, and many enjoy visiting each Shrine when possible.

The Kansas State White Shrine Club is a State-wide meeting of all Shrines in Kansas with their officers elected once a year from various Shrines.  It meets three times per year at different Shrines, plus there is a picnic in July where all meet for the day.  On that day, we bring snacks, play various games, have dinner together, put on skits, and end the day with a devotional time.  This is a wonderful time for each of us to get acquainted with sojourners from the other Shrines.

Through our regular meetings, a close fellowship of care and love for others is maintained, and by visiting Shrines, a broad friendship is developed.

Donna Sue Gelvin, Worthy Scribe



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