After a full year of finding my footing as a Master Mason at Unity No. 146, the time felt right to expand my horizons. I had spent months listening to my brothers talk about the “fun over at Kena,” describing the events and the unique spirit of the Shriners. On November 20, 2024, I officially petitioned and joined Shriners International at the Kena Shrine in Manassas.
The experience was a marked shift from the solemn, ancient rituals of the Blue Lodge. While the ceremony was shorter, the obligation I took resonated deeply. It added a new layer of conviction to my desire to help others, specifically focusing on the incredible philanthropic work the Shriners are known for worldwide.
A Toast to the Journey
We celebrated with the camel herders afterwards. One of the things I appreciate most about my brothers is how they respect and honor personal boundaries. Since I do not partake of alcohol, one of my brothers from Unity brought a special welcome gift: brewed root beer.
There’s a bit of a running joke in the fraternity that by asking for a root “beer,” I’m technically fulfilling the social tradition of “grabbing a beer” with the guys—just without the alcohol. It was a small gesture, but it made me feel immediately at home in this new environment.
The Fez Challenge
Then came the legendary part of becoming a Shriner: the Fez. We toured a room filled with the iconic red headgear, and I quickly discovered a practical hurdle—my head is apparently a bit too large for the “standard” sizes.
We went through a fair amount of inventory before a brother offered me his own Fez to try on. It fit perfectly, finally giving us the exact measurements needed to place a custom order. It was a lighthearted moment of brotherhood that perfectly captured the “fun” side of the Shrine I had heard so much about.
Purpose and Play
Joining the Shriners has given me a new venue for service that balances serious commitment with a spirit of joy. I’m proud to wear the emblem (once my custom Fez arrives!) and to support the Shriners’ mission. It’s a reminder that while the foundations of Masonry are built on self-improvement, the structure is meant to be shared with a community that knows how to laugh, give back, and share a root beer together.
