The Order of the White Shrine of Jerusalem
The Order of the White Shrine of Jerusalem is an organization for men and women with a connection to the Masonic fraternity. The mission of the Order is to uphold the simple religion of Christ and further His Gospel of “Peace and Good Will upon the Earth;” to do noble deeds and by acts of kindness and works of cheer, make the world better and brighter to him or her who in the hour of sorrow and affliction, sees nothing but darkness. The term “White” does not refer to race. Rather, it refers to the purity of the life of Jesus Christ. We are not connected to the Ancient Arabic Order of the Mystic Shrine (Shriners International) to which some Master Masons belong.
Membership in the Order of the White Shrine of Jerusalem consists of women who have a relationship through birth, marriage or legal adoption to a Master Mason in good standing or who was in good standing at the time of his death in some regular Masonic Lodge. It is also open to Master Masons in good and regular standing and who have no restraining factors placed on them by their specific Grand Lodge. Futhermore, members either active for three years or majority of the International Order of Rainbow for Girls or Job’s Daughters International who have attained the age of eighteen (18) years of age. Petitions for membership, based on Rainbow or Job’s Daughters membership, shall include a recommendation signed by a Master Mason in Good Standing.
The purpose of the White Shrine is threefold: Spiritual, Charitable, and Fraternal. Its aim is to bring together men and women of high moral and social character to share their desire to spread the Gospel, aid and assist those less fortunate, and create enjoyable experiences for themselves.
Like the members of the Masonic Lodge and other appendant bodies, members of the White Shrine must profess a belief in a Supreme Being. However, the White Shrine goes one step further, requiring members to profess a belief in Jesus Christ as the Saviour and Redeemer of the World. The Order does not attempt to replace the Church. Rather, it enriches the teachings of the Church. It is a very effective means of spreading the Simple Gospel of the Prince of Peace.
There is one degree for the White Shrine and the ritual takes the candidate through the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The emblems of the White Shrine are the Star, Cross, and Shepherd's Crook which can sometimes be seen with the phrase "In Hoc Signo Spes Mea" which translates as "In this Sign is my Hope." All three symbols seem very obvious in their use as the organization as it surrounds the Blessed Redeemer.
Members refer to each other as "Sojourner" and the honorary title of "Worthy" is used in this organization. The basic organizational unit is the Shrine which is presided over by a Worthy High Priestess and Watchman of Shepherds. They are supported by the following officers:
Noble Prophetess Associate Watchman of Shepherds Worthy Chaplain Worthy Scribe Worthy Treasurer Worthy Shepherdess Worthy Guide Worthy Herald First Wise Man Second Wise Man Third Wise Man King Queen First Hand Maid Second Hand Maid Third Hand Maid Worthy Organist Worth Guardian Worthy Guard
Only women can serve in some offices like the Priestess or Prophetess while men can only serve as Watchman or the Wise Men. Some offices like Guard, Scribe, or Treasurer can be filled by either a man or a woman.
The charity of the White Shrine is called the Material Objective which assists the less fortunate with medical bills regardless of race, color, creed, or sect. This charity is funded through voluntary donations and income from their endowment.