Founded in 1870 by Walter M. Fleming and William J. Florence, the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (now Shriners International) was conceived as the playground of Master Masons — a fraternity within the fraternity, where the gravity of the Lodge gives way to the laughter of the parade ground. To don the Fez a man must first have completed the Scottish or York Rite — meaning every Noble is, at minimum, a 32° Scottish Rite Mason or a Knight Templar.
Yet beneath the bright tassel and the brass bands lies the most extraordinary act of charity in the history of fraternal America: 22 Shriners Children's Hospitals across four nations, where no child is ever turned away and no family is ever billed. Burns, orthopedic conditions, cleft lip & palate, spinal cord injury — treated free of charge, every day, funded entirely by the Brethren and their Ladies.
Pleasure to those who can bear it; relief to those who need it. This is the motto of the Fez. It is also the second secret economy of the Craft.