Charlotte, N.C.

EAST BURKE SHRINE CLUB

Our Club was formed in 1991 by a group of Nobles who were members of the Burke County Shrine Club in Morganton, NC.  A Charter sanctioning the Club was received from the Oasis Temple in Charlotte that same year.  These pioneers met to bond personal and fraternal relationships and to map future Shrine activities in the communities of Eastern Burke County.  Membership grew steadily under the leadership of its first president, Noble Ed Plemmons. The first 12 years were ones of development and expanding horizons.  Its growth can be attributed to the Clubs meaningful programs.  In even larger measures, our Club grew because of the unique caliber of men who have become members, and the dedication and spirit of outstanding Nobles who actively support the goals of Shrinedom events.

Club meetings are held on the fourth Thursday of each month, except November and December at various locations in the County, with dinner at 6:00 p.m. followed by the regular business meeting at 7:00 p.m.  Several times a year we invite our Shrine Ladies to attend with us.

We are proud of our Club's record of consistently producing more money for the Hospitals than any other club of our size.  How do we do that? Very simple.  We work hard and have the support of an appreciative community, many who have been personally touched by having a family member or friend who has been successfully treated at one of our Shriners hospitals. The Annual Paper Sale is a high visibility project whereby we are seen with our red fez for two days a year at street corners, businesses, post office, banks, restaurants and other places handing out our Shriner Newspapers and accepting donations from the public at large.  Additionally, our Plaque Sales, which is our premiere fundraising effort is an ongoing project all year long.

WE OWE OUR SUCCESS TO THOSE WHO SUPPORT AND BELIEVE IN US

WHO ARE SHRINERS?

Shriners belong to a brotherhood of men.....dedicated to fun and fellowship.....but with a serious purpose - that of supporting what has become known as the "World's Greatest Philanthropy," the 22 Shriners Hospitals for Children composed of 18 orthopedic hospitals, three burn hospitals, and one hospital that provides orthopedic, burn and spinal cord injury care.  Since the first hospital opened in 1922, these hospitals have cured or substantially  helped more than 600,000 children - all at no cost to the parent or child.

Shriners are members of the Masonic Fraternity and adhere to the principles of Freemasonry - a belief in a Supreme Being, of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth.

ITS BEGINNING

Founded in 1872 in  New York City, Masons got together to discuss the idea of a new fraternity for Masons in which fun and fellowship would be stressed more than ritual.  They took their ideas and converted them into what would become the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (A.A.O.N.M.S.) knowing that they needed an appealing theme for their new Order; chose the Arabic (Near East) theme.  The most noticeable symbol of shrinedom is the distinctive red fez that all Shriners wear at official functions.

MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS

If you are a Master Mason and a member in good standings of a Lodge recognized and in amity with the Conference of Grand Masters of North America, you can petition to become a Noble of the Mystic Shrine.  A petition can be obtained from any Master Mason or Shriner or contacting the East Burke Shrine Club.

Every Shriner is a Mason - but not every Mason is a Shriner

THE EMBLEM

The Crescent was adopted as the Jewel of the Order.  Although any materials can be used in forming the crescent, the most valuable are the claws of a Royal Bengal Tiger, unified at their base in a gold setting.  In the center is the head of a sphinx, and on the back are a pyramid, an urn and a star.  Today the Shrine emblem includes a scimitar from which means the crescent hangs, and a five pointed star beneath the head of the sphinx.

THE FEZ

The red fez with the black tassel, the Shrine's official headgear, has been handed down through the ages.  It derives its name from the place it was first made - the holy city of Fez, Morocco.  The fez was chosen as part of the Shrine's Arabic (Near East) theme.

SHRINERS CREED

Shriners believe in God and that He created man to serve His purposes, among which is service to others in His name.

We believe that care for the less fortunate, especially children who suffer from burns and crippling disease, is our institutional calling.

We are patriots, each willing to serve his country with fidelity and courage.  We cherish independence under law and freedom with responsibility.

We honor family.  We respect our parents, wives, and children.  We should instill in our children the tenets of this creed and the heritage from which it emanates.

As individuals we pledge ourselves to integrity, virtue, and nobility of character.  Our intentions will be honorable, our relations will be trustworthy, and our spirits forgiving of each other.

As brothers we offer each other fraternal affection and respect.  Together we will support each other in adherence to this creed, so that we and our communities will be better because of our fraternity and its principles.

As Shriners we look beyond ourselves to serve the needs of others, especially children who cannot help themselves.  We believe Shriners Hospital for Children to be the "World's Greatest Philanthropy" and we covenant with each other to support its "temples of mercy" with spirit, time, talent and means.

East Burke Shrine Club

P.O. Box 606
Valdese, N.C. 28690