"MASONIC-FAQ" - читать интересную книгу автора (McIntyre Vonda N)

The Shrine is not an appendant body of Masonry, though the distinction
would escape many. The Shrine confers no additional degrees. It was
founded in 1872 (the Mecca Temple in New York City) and an Arabic
theme was chosen. Hence, the distinctive red fez that Shriners wear at
official functions.

Members of the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles the Mystic Shrine for
North America (AASONM is an anagram for "A MASON") are members of the
Scottish Rite's 32nd degree, and/or Knights Templer of the York Rite. The
Shrine is most noted for its emphasis on philanthropy and its jolly
outlook on life-- it has been called "the playground of Masonry". This
is expressed as "Pleasure without intemperance, hospitality without
rudeness, and jollity without coarseness."

*(5)* Are there other appendant bodies?

Yes. For example, the Order of Judas Maccabeus. I'm sure some brave
volunteer will shortly provide us with information on this and other
orders.

*(6)* What is the Eastern Star?

The Order of the Eastern Star is an adoptive rite of Freemasonry with
teachings based on the Bible and objectives that are charitable and
benevolent. The founder of OES was Dr. Robert Morris, a lawyer and
educator from Boston, Massachusetts, who was a Master Mason and Past
Grand Master of Kentucky. Dr. Morris intended his creation to become a
female branch of Freemasonry, but he failed to overcome the great
opposition this idea engendered. After his first published ritual in
1849-50, he became associated with Robert Macoy who wrote and published
a ritual based on Morris' in 1867. The first Grand Chapter was
organized in Michigan in the same year. (There is evidence for an
organization of the same name founded variously in 1788 or 1793, but
this group was defunct by 1867.) Subordinate (local) chapters operate
under charter from state level grand chapters which are responsible to
the General Grand Chapter at the International Eastern Star temple in
Washington, D.C.

Members must be eighteen years or older and either Master Masons in good
standing or properly related to a Master Mason in good standing. The
latter category includes wives; widows; sisters; daughters; mothers;
granddaughters; step-mothers; step daughters; step-sisters; and
half-sisters.

Each chapter has eighteen officers, some elected and others appointed.
Two offices are specifically male (Patron and Associate Patron) while nine
offices are specifically female (including Matron and Associate Matron).
While the Worthy Matron is considered to be the presiding officer of the
chapter, the degrees cannot be conferred without a presiding brother in