Ladies' Oriental Shrine of North America, Inc

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Instituted February 19, 2011 

The Ladies’ Oriental Shrine of North America (LOSNA) was founded in Wheeling, West Virginia in 1903, when the Ladies of Osiris Shriners were invited to attend the social events and festivities surrounding Osiris’ Spring Ceremony of Initiation. When the Shriners departed for their ceremony, the ladies were having so much fun, they didn't want to stop. They surveyed the McClure Hotel and in a joyous mood, began to parade through the halls. They eventually arrived at one of the hotel’s conference rooms. The doors were closed, a guard was set, and within that room, with dignity and sincerity, and without a ritual or prepared paraphernalia, the first session of the Ladies’ Oriental Shrine of North America was held and Isis Court No. 1 came into being. They would henceforth conduct their own affairs, even while continuing to support the Nobles with their Shrine activities. 

LOSNA is not an auxiliary of Shriners International.  We are a separate and distinct Order.

Initially, membership in the LOSNA was restricted to the families of Osiris Shriners, but when the reputation of Court No. 1 reached the ladies in Pittsburgh, PA and Parkersburg, WV, they wanted to be a part of the fun and thus Court No. 2 and Court No. 3 were formed.

The Ladies soon realized the need for a Grand Body. Representatives 

from the three existing Courts met on June 24, 1914 to organize the Grand Council. The top official of the Grand Council is known as the Grand High Priestess, and the Executive Office in a local Court is known as the High Priestess.  All members are addressed as "Lady".  

Today, LOSNA has nearly 8,000 members in 64 Courts across North America and even members in Japan and Taiwan. 

The goal of the Ladies’ Oriental Shrine, as set forth at the organizational meeting in 1903, is to promote sociability, good fellowship and the betterment of all Ladies connected with the organization.  Our Ladies participate in parades, mini-clinics, Shrine Circuses, and much more. Ladies may choose to be active in a variety of special interest Units within each local Court such as Oriental Bands, Patrols, Clown or Dance Units.   Our Ladies are always ready to display their pageantry and glamour in order to show the public how much they enjoy their activities.

Within the past few years, LOSNA has expanded our membership requirements to be more inclusive to those without a Masonic connection.  All Ladies, at least 18 years of age, with an interest in our mission and philanthropy are encouraged to join and become part of our legacy.

Moolah Shrine Center

12545 Fee Fee Road

St. Louis, MO  63146

Third Mondays @ 7:00 PM (except July & August)

Daughters of the Nile is an international fraternal organization for women 18 years of age or older. They are related by birth or marriage to a Shriner, Master Mason, or a Daughters of the Nile. They may also be a majority member in good standing of a Masonic-related organization for girls, or a former patient at a Shriners Hospitals for Children® (with or without a Masonic relationship). Founded in Seattle, Washington in 1913, Daughters of the Nile members total over 15,000 in 126 cities throughout the United States, Canada, and South America. Our members are proud of their long association with Shriners International and their continuing support of Shriners Children’s™.

The Daughters of the Nile maintain two permanent funds to benefit Shriners Children’s™. The Daughters of the Nile Foundation (a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit charity) administers funds in the United States. In Canada, the funds are administered by the Daughters of the Nile Canadian Trust Foundation.

Our one and only charitable endeavor is Shriners Children’s™ and their network of medical facilities throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico. They are renowned for providing the highest quality care to children with neuromusculoskeletal conditions, burn injuries, cleft lip and palate, and many other special healthcare needs within a compassionate, family centered, and collaborative care environment. Shriners Children’s™ also provide for the education of physicians and other healthcare professionals and cutting-edge research into new treatments and procedures to improve the lives of children and their families.

The Daughters of the Nile maintain two permanent funds to benefit Shriners Children’s™. The Daughters of the Nile Foundation (a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit charity) administers funds in the United States. In Canada, the funds are administered by the Daughters of the Nile Canadian Trust Foundation.

Our one and only charitable endeavor is Shriners Children’s™ and their network of medical facilities throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico. They are renowned for providing the highest quality care to children with neuromusculoskeletal conditions, burn injuries, cleft lip and palate, and many other special healthcare needs within a compassionate, family centered, and collaborative care environment. Shriners Children’s™ also provide for the education of physicians and other healthcare professionals and cutting-edge research into new treatments and procedures to improve the lives of children and their families

The Daughters of the Nile contribute monetary donations of over $2 million annually to Shriners Children’s™ through our Foundations. Since 1924, we have contributed over $72 million. Each year our members give generously of their time and talents by providing more than 180,000 hours of volunteer time at the hospitals. In addition, they sew clothing, quilts, and special projects requested by the hospitals, provide books, toys, games, and other educational/recreational materials, and sponsor parties for patients and their families each month. The annual value of these hours and donated items is in excess of another $1 million annually.