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Study Guide: Shriners International: History, Organization, and Philanthropy

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Shriners International: History, Organization, and Philanthropy Study Guide

Founding and Early History (1872-c.1900)

Shriners International was founded in 1972 in New York City.

Answer: False

Explanation: Shriners International was founded in 1872 in New York City, not 1972.

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Walter M. Fleming and William J. Florence were instrumental in the establishment of the Shriners.

Answer: True

Explanation: Walter M. Fleming and William J. Florence are credited as the key figures responsible for establishing the Shriners.

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William J. Florence was inspired to found the Shriners after encountering a secret society in London.

Answer: False

Explanation: William J. Florence was inspired by a secret society he encountered at a party hosted by an Arab diplomat in Marseille, France, not London.

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The first Shrine Temple, Mecca Temple, was established in Philadelphia on September 26, 1872.

Answer: False

Explanation: The first Shrine Temple, Mecca Temple, was established in New York City on September 26, 1872.

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Shrine membership grew significantly in the early years, reaching 55,000 members by 1900.

Answer: True

Explanation: Membership growth was substantial, reaching 55,000 members by the year 1900.

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By 1938, the United States had approximately 340,000 Shriners.

Answer: True

Explanation: By 1938, the United States had approximately 340,000 Shriners.

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In what year and city was Shriners International founded?

Answer: 1872, New York City

Explanation: Shriners International was founded in 1872 in New York City.

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Who were the two key figures credited with establishing Shriners International?

Answer: Walter M. Fleming and William J. Florence

Explanation: Walter M. Fleming and William J. Florence were the key figures instrumental in establishing the Shriners.

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What inspired William J. Florence's contribution to the founding of the Shriners?

Answer: A secret society encountered at a party hosted by an Arab diplomat in Marseille

Explanation: William J. Florence was inspired by a secret society he encountered at a party hosted by an Arab diplomat in Marseille, France.

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The first Shrine Temple, Mecca Temple, was established in which city?

Answer: New York City

Explanation: The first Shrine Temple, Mecca Temple, was established in New York City.

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How did Shrine membership grow between 1878 and 1888?

Answer: From 425 members to 7,210 members

Explanation: Shrine membership grew from 425 members in 1878 to 7,210 members in 48 temples by 1888.

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Organization, Membership, and Governance

The formal name of Shriners International is the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (AAONMS).

Answer: True

Explanation: The formal name of the organization is indeed the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (AAONMS).

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Shriners International has a global membership of approximately 1.7 million Shriners across over 200 chapters.

Answer: True

Explanation: The organization reports a global membership of nearly 1.7 million Shriners distributed across more than 200 chapters.

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Membership in Shriners International is open to any man, regardless of Masonic affiliation.

Answer: False

Explanation: Membership is restricted to men who have been initiated as Master Masons in a Masonic rite.

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Local chapter headquarters for Shriners are officially called "Shrine Centers" and sometimes referred to as "Temples."

Answer: True

Explanation: The headquarters of local chapters are formally known as Shrine Centers and are sometimes referred to as "Temples" or "Mosques."

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Shriners International is governed by a council known as the "Imperial Council," which is composed of 12 "Imperial Officers."

Answer: False

Explanation: Shriners International is governed by the "Imperial Divan," which is composed of 12 "Imperial Officers."

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Shriners International has a presence in countries such as Canada, Mexico, and the Philippines.

Answer: True

Explanation: Shriners International has chapters in several countries outside the United States, including Canada, Mexico, and the Philippines.

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What is the formal name of Shriners International?

Answer: The Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (AAONMS)

Explanation: The formal name of Shriners International is the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (AAONMS).

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Which of the following is NOT a core principle or mission aspect described by Shriners International?

Answer: Political lobbying

Explanation: Shriners International describes its core principles as fellowship, community service, and brotherly love, relief, and truth; political lobbying is not listed as a core aspect.

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What is the primary requirement for a man to become a Shriner?

Answer: Initiation as a Master Mason in a Masonic rite

Explanation: The primary requirement for membership is to have been initiated as a Master Mason in a Masonic rite.

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What is the governing body of Shriners International referred to as?

Answer: The Imperial Divan

Explanation: Shriners International is governed by the "Imperial Divan," which comprises 12 "Imperial Officers."

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Which of the following countries is NOT listed as having Shrine Centers outside the United States?

Answer: Australia

Explanation: The listed countries with Shrine Centers outside the United States are Canada, Mexico, Panama, Puerto Rico, the Philippines, Germany, Brazil, and Bolivia. Australia is not mentioned.

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Symbolism, Theming, and Identity

Shriners are easily identified by their distinctive blue fezzes.

Answer: False

Explanation: Shriners are recognizable by their distinctive red fezzes, which serve as their official headgear.

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Shriners International has explicit connections to the Middle East and the religion of Islam due to its theming.

Answer: False

Explanation: Shriners International explicitly states it has no connection with the Middle East region or the religion of Islam, despite its thematic elements.

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The fraternity changed its name to Shriners International in 2010 to reflect its growing global membership.

Answer: True

Explanation: The fraternity adopted the name Shriners International in 2010 to acknowledge its growing global membership and to distance itself from its Middle Eastern theming.

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Shriners International removed all Middle Eastern theming and renamed the organization "Shriners Global" by 2011.

Answer: False

Explanation: Shriners International removed much of its Middle Eastern theming and renamed the organization "Shriners International," not "Shriners Global." Specific changes included renaming the "Arabic Patrol" to "The Patrol."

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What is the official headgear worn by Shriners?

Answer: A red fez

Explanation: Shriners are recognizable by their distinctive red fezzes, which serve as their official headgear.

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Despite its theming, what does Shriners International explicitly state about its connection to the Middle East and Islam?

Answer: It has no connection to the Middle East or Islam.

Explanation: Shriners International explicitly states that it has no connection to the Middle East or the religion of Islam, despite its thematic elements.

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Why did the fraternity change its name to Shriners International in 2010?

Answer: To reflect its growing global membership and distance from Middle Eastern theming.

Explanation: The name change to Shriners International in 2010 was intended to acknowledge its growing global membership and to distance the organization from its Middle Eastern theming.

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Which of the following was a change made by Shriners International by 2011 to address post-9/11 concerns?

Answer: Renaming the "Arabic Patrol" to "The Patrol."

Explanation: By 2011, Shriners International made changes such as renaming the "Arabic Patrol" to "The Patrol" to address post-9/11 concerns.

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Philanthropy: Shriners Hospitals for Children

What is the primary charitable arm of the Shrine?

Answer: The Shriners Hospitals for Children

Explanation: The primary charitable arm of the Shrine is the Shriners Hospitals for Children.

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What is the funding model change implemented in June 2012 for Shriners Hospitals?

Answer: Hospitals began billing insurance companies, while still providing free care to uninsured.

Explanation: In June 2012, Shriners Hospitals began billing insurance companies while continuing to provide free care to uninsured children and waiving any uncovered costs.

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What is the tax status of Shriners Hospitals for Children?

Answer: 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization

Explanation: Shriners Hospitals for Children operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

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Associated Groups and Notable Members

Notable American Shriners mentioned in the text include actors John Wayne and Ernest Borgnine, and President Harry Truman.

Answer: True

Explanation: The text lists notable American Shriners such as actors John Wayne and Ernest Borgnine, and President Harry Truman, among others.

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The Worldwide Fraternal Shrine Family (Black Shrine) primarily supports organizations like the NAACP and the United Negro College Fund (UNCF).

Answer: True

Explanation: The Worldwide Fraternal Shrine Family's primary charitable recipients include the NAACP, the National Urban League, and the United Negro College Fund (UNCF).

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The Ladies Oriental Shrine of North America was founded in 1913, supporting Shriners Hospitals.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Ladies Oriental Shrine of North America was founded in 1903, not 1913, and it supports Shriners Hospitals.

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Membership in the Daughters of the Nile is restricted to women related to Master Masons by birth or marriage.

Answer: True

Explanation: Membership in the Daughters of the Nile is open to women aged 18 or older who are related to a Shriner or Master Mason by birth or marriage.

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Florence Harding, wife of President Warren G. Harding, was a member of the Ladies Oriental Shrine.

Answer: False

Explanation: Florence Harding was a notable member of the Daughters of the Nile, not the Ladies Oriental Shrine.

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Which of the following is NOT listed as a primary charitable recipient of the Worldwide Fraternal Shrine Family (Black Shrine)?

Answer: American Red Cross

Explanation: The primary charitable recipients listed for the Worldwide Fraternal Shrine Family are the NAACP, the National Urban League, and the United Negro College Fund (UNCF); the American Red Cross is not mentioned.

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Which women's auxiliary to the Shriners was founded first?

Answer: Ladies Oriental Shrine of North America (1903)

Explanation: The Ladies Oriental Shrine of North America was founded in 1903, predating the Daughters of the Nile, which was founded in 1913.

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Historical Context and Controversies

Shriners International is primarily known for its involvement in political activism.

Answer: False

Explanation: Shriners International is primarily known for its fellowship, community service, and philanthropic activities, particularly its network of hospitals, rather than political activism.

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Historically, the Shrine was open to men of all races, and a Black counterpart organization never emerged.

Answer: False

Explanation: Historically, the Shrine was open only to white men, and a Black counterpart organization, the Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, was established by Prince Hall Masons.

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A legal conflict arose when a Black Shrine order sued a white order for infringing on their traditions.

Answer: False

Explanation: A legal conflict arose when a white order sued a Black order for infringing on traditions; however, the white order was the plaintiff, not the defendant in this context.

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The September 11 attacks led to Shriners being mistaken for a Muslim organization, causing harassment and prompting changes to their theming.

Answer: True

Explanation: Following the September 11 attacks, the organization's Middle Eastern theming led to mistaken identity, harassment, and subsequent changes to reduce Middle Eastern imagery.

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A 1991 lawsuit alleged that initiation rites involved electric shocks and forced walking on simulated hot sands.

Answer: True

Explanation: A 1991 lawsuit included allegations that initiation rites involved electric shocks and forced walking on simulated hot sands.

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What was the outcome of the legal conflict between the white and Black Shrine orders regarding regalia and traditions?

Answer: The white order won the initial lawsuit, but the ruling was overturned on appeal.

Explanation: The white order initially won a lawsuit concerning regalia and traditions, but this ruling was overturned on appeal in 1929, protecting the Black Shriners' rights.

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How did the post-9/11 environment affect Shriners International?

Answer: Mistaken identity leading to harassment and vandalism due to Middle Eastern theming.

Explanation: Following the September 11 attacks, the organization's Middle Eastern theming led to mistaken identity, resulting in harassment and vandalism, which prompted changes to their public presentation.

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Why did the relationship between Justin Timberlake and the Shriners end?

Answer: Shriners felt he was only interested when cameras were present.

Explanation: The relationship with Justin Timberlake ended in 2012 when Shriners indicated he seemed interested only when cameras were present.

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What controversies have arisen regarding Shriners International?

Answer: Allegations of financial improprieties and criticism regarding Shrine circuses.

Explanation: Controversies have included allegations of financial improprieties and criticism from animal welfare organizations regarding the use of animals in Shrine circuses.

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Key Locations and Architectural Features

Shriners International's headquarters are currently located in Chicago, Illinois.

Answer: False

Explanation: The current headquarters of Shriners International are located in Tampa, Florida, not Chicago, Illinois.

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Many Shrine Centers are built in the Gothic Revival architectural style.

Answer: False

Explanation: Many Shrine Centers are built in the Moorish Revival architectural style, aligning with the organization's thematic elements.

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The Syria Mosque in Pittsburgh, completed in 1916, was a venue for Shriners and is considered the birthplace of network television.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Syria Mosque in Pittsburgh, completed in 1916, served as a venue for Shriners and is recognized as the "birthplace of network television."

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The Syria Mosque was successfully preserved as a historic landmark and remains standing today.

Answer: False

Explanation: Despite efforts to preserve it, the Syria Mosque was demolished in 1991.

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Where is the current headquarters of Shriners International located?

Answer: Tampa, Florida

Explanation: The current headquarters of Shriners International are located in Tampa, Florida.

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What architectural style is often associated with Shrine Centers?

Answer: Moorish Revival

Explanation: Many Shrine Centers are built in the Moorish Revival architectural style, reflecting the organization's thematic influences.

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The Syria Mosque in Pittsburgh, completed in 1916, was known for all the following EXCEPT:

Answer: Being a functioning mosque

Explanation: The Syria Mosque was a 3,700-seat venue for Shriners and known as the "birthplace of network television," but it was never used as a functioning mosque.

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