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SHRINERS INTERNATIONAL
NOBLES
In 1870 a group of Masons gathered frequently for lunch at the Knickerbocker Cottage on Sixth Avenue in New York City. At a special table on the second floor a particularly fun-loving group of men met regularly. Among the regulars were Walter M. Fleming, M.D. and William J. “Billy” Florence, an actor. The group frequently talked about starting a new fraternity for Masons – one centered on fun and fellowship, more than ritual. Fleming and Florence took this idea seriously enough to do something about it.
Billy Florence had been on tour in France, and had been invited to a party given by an Arabian diplomat. The exotic style, flavors and music of the Arabian-themed party inspired him to suggest this as a theme for the new fraternity. Walter Fleming, a devoted fraternity brother, built on Fleming’s ideas and used his knowledge of fraternal ritual to transform the Arabian theme into the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (A.A.O.N.M.S.).
KNICKERBOCKER COTTAGE
With the help of the Knickerbocker Cottage regulars, Fleming drafted the ritual, designed the emblem and costumes, formulated a salutation and declared that members would wear the red fez.
With the help of the Knickerbocker Cottage regulars, Fleming drafted the ritual, designed the emblem and costumes, formulated a salutation, and declared that members would wear the red fez. grew rapidly, spreading across the U.S. In the early 1900s, membership spread into Canada, Mexico, and Panama. Today, Shriners International is a fraternity with nearly 200 temples in several countries, thousands of clubs around the world, and hundreds of thousands of members dedicated to the principles of brotherly love, relief, and truth.,
Origin of Moolah® Shrine
Strange as it may seem, Moolah® Shrine actually had its inception in
East St. Louis, Illinois. Ten Nobles of Medinah Temple from Chicago, Illinois,
met weekly to dine at the Stockyard Hotel and decided to form another
Shrine Temple for St. Louis. They applied for a charter, which was issued on
April 23, 1886, and became the 28th Shrine Temple so recognized in Shrinedom.
The ten Nobles who signed the petition were:
William H Mayo
W.H. Mead
John T. Nixon
E. B. Overstreet
John J. Baulch
Alman B. Thompson
Elihu T. Crandall
William Walsh
Robert D. Hunter
and Horace W. Hibbard.
The name “Moolah,” an Arabic word meaning “Title for the one learned in teaching dignity for the law of the Koran or religion,” was suggested by Noble John T. Nixon. It is not a title conferred by authority, but rather an expression of public respect. The name was adopted and has held the respect of Shriners and the public alike ever since.
In the early years, from June 20, 1894, until December 16, 1894, Moolah Shrine’s meetings were held at the Freemasons Hall, 17th and Chestnut Street. On January 20, 1897 it held its first meeting at Tuscan Hall, 28th and Washington Ave. - its last meeting being held there on March 21, 1897. Other meetings were held at Harmony Hall, Union Hall, The Mercantile Club, the West End Hall, the American Theatre, and the Grand Avenue Masonic Temple Building. In 1912, Potentate Walter Ashton, assisted by his officers, took action toward building a home for Moolah Temple. On April 12, 1912, Past Potentate Herman Mauch presented a resolution to appoint a building committee, and steps were taken to form a corporation to purchase real estate and build a Temple. Articles of Incorporation and a Pro Forma Decree Charter were certified and filed in Jefferson City on August 9, 1912.
Plans were submitted for the chosen location on Lindell Boulevard. The financing of the building construction was arranged, and Ernest Helfenstellar, Jr., of Hirsh and Watson was chosen architect. Ground was broken on September 11, 1912, at midnight with a ceremony illuminated by colored lighted torches. The Cornerstone was laid at midnight, October 21, 1913 with a parade starting at the Masonic Temple Building. Imperial Potentate Henry Niedringhaus, Jr., Imperial First Ceremonial Master Whiles Jacoby, Moolah Divan, and Nobles participated and witnessed these ceremonies. For three years, work progressed rapidly, and Moolah held its first meeting in the new Temple on March 18, 1914.
Dedicatory ceremonies were held on April 25, 1914, with a class of 133 novices. In December 1920 the Temple building bonds were retired, with a final payment being made to Mississippi Valley Trust Company. This project culminated a term of nine years from January 1912 to December 1920. In 1931, East and West wings were added to enlarge quarters for the Potentate and the Divan, the Temple Office, and Unit Rooms.
In 1988, Moolah® sold its facilities on Lindell and moved to a West County location on Fee Fee Road to be closer to its members’ homes and to take advantage of the growing population there to help increase its membership. The facility, which outwardly may still look like Parkway North Junior High School, has been extensively renovated and redecorated on the interior. It features a ballroom which can accommodate over 500 guests and an Oasis (or dining room) which can also handle 250 guests. Several other large meeting and social gathering rooms are available, as well as a gymnasium and Soccer field for sports activities. Shriners support what has become known as the "World's Greatest Philanthropy",
Shriners Children's.
About Moolah Shriners
Shriners International
In 1870, a group of Masons gathered frequently for lunch at the Knickerbocker Cottage on Sixth Avenue in New York City. At a special table on the second floor, a particularly fun-loving group of men met regularly. Among the regulars were Walter M. Fleming, M.D., and William J. “Billy” Florence, an actor. The group frequently talked about starting a new fraternity for Masons – one centered on fun and fellowship, rather than ritual. Fleming and Florence took this idea seriously enough to do something about it.
Billy Florence had been on tour in France, and had been invited to a party given by an Arabian diplomat. The exotic style, flavors and music of the Arabian-themed party inspired him to suggest this as a theme for the new fraternity. Walter Fleming, a devoted fraternity brother, built on Fleming’s ideas and used his knowledge of fraternal ritual to transform the Arabian theme into the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (A.A.O.N.M.S.).
Knickerbocker Cottage
With the help of the Knickerbocker Cottage regulars, Fleming drafted the ritual, designed the emblem and costumes, formulated a salutation and declared that members would wear the red fez.
The first meeting of Mecca Shriners, the first temple (chapter) established in the United States, was held September 26, 1872. As word got out about the fledgling organization, membership grew rapidly, spreading across the U.S. In the early 1900s, membership spread into Canada, Mexico and Panama. Today, Shriners International is a fraternity with nearly 200 temples in several countries, thousands of clubs around the world and hundreds of thousands of members dedicated to the principles of brotherly love, relief and truth.
SHRINERS INTERNATIONAL
Our Vision
In 1870 a group of Masons gathered frequently for lunch at the Knickerbocker Cottage on Sixth Avenue in New York City. At a special table on the second floor a particularly fun-loving group of men met regularly. Among the regulars were Walter M. Fleming, M.D. and William J. “Billy” Florence, an actor. The group frequently talked about starting a new fraternity for Masons – one centered on fun and fellowship, more than ritual. Fleming and Florence took this idea seriously enough to do something about it.
Billy Florence had been on tour in France, and had been invited to a party given by an Arabian diplomat. The exotic style, flavors and music of the Arabian-themed party inspired him to suggest this as a theme for the new fraternity. Walter Fleming, a devoted fraternity brother, built on Fleming’s ideas and used his knowledge of fraternal ritual to transform the Arabian theme into the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (A.A.O.N.M.S.).
Billy Florence had been on tour in France and had been invited to a party given by an Arabian diplomat. The exotic style, flavors, and music of the Arabian-themed party inspired him to suggest this as a theme for the new fraternity. Walter Fleming, a devoted fraternity brother, built on Fleming’s ideas and used his knowledge of fraternal ritual to transform the Arabian theme into the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (A.A.O.N.M.S.).this idea seriously enough to do something about it.t it.it.it.t.
KNICKERBOCKER COTTAGE
With the help of the Knickerbocker Cottage regulars, Fleming drafted the ritual, designed the emblem and costumes, formulated a salutation and declared that members would wear the red fez.
The first meeting of Mecca Shriners, the first temple (chapter) established in the United States, was held September 26, 1872. As word got out about the fledgling organization, membership grew rapidly, spreading across the U.S. In the early 1900s, membership spread into Canada, Mexico and Panama. Today, Shriners International is a fraternity with nearly 200 temples in several countries, thousands of clubs around the world and hundreds of thousands of members dedicated to the principles of brotherly love, relief and truth.
SHRINERS INTERNATIONAL
Our Programs
In 1870 a group of Masons gathered frequently for lunch at the Knickerbocker Cottage on Sixth Avenue in New York City. At a special table on the second floor a particularly fun-loving group of men met regularly. Among the regulars were Walter M. Fleming, M.D. and William J. “Billy” Florence, an actor. The group frequently talked about starting a new fraternity for Masons – one centered on fun and fellowship, more than ritual. Fleming and Florence took this idea seriously enough to do something about it.
Billy Florence had been on tour in France, and had been invited to a party given by an Arabian diplomat. The exotic style, flavors and music of the Arabian-themed party inspired him to suggest this as a theme for the new fraternity. Walter Fleming, a devoted fraternity brother, built on Fleming’s ideas and used his knowledge of fraternal ritual to transform the Arabian theme into the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (A.A.O.N.M.S.).
Billy Florence had been on tour in France and had been invited to a party given by an Arabian diplomat. The exotic style, flavors, and music of the Arabian-themed party inspired him to suggest this as a theme for the new fraternity. Walter Fleming, a devoted fraternity brother, built on Fleming’s ideas and used his knowledge of fraternal ritual to transform the Arabian theme into the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (A.A.O.N.M.S.). .this idea seriously enough to do something about it.t it.it.it.t.
Our Success Stories
Over the years, we have helped countless individuals and families overcome financial, medical, and social challenges. Our success stories are a testament to the impact of our programs and the dedication of our team and supporters.