Together we build
Of all the Freemason charitable organizations, the best known is the Shriners. The Shriners are famous for their vibrant parades and their work with physically challenged children. Indeed, there are currently 22 Shriners Charitable Children’s Hospitals in existence.
The year was 1919, World War I had ended and many young men were left
without fathers. Nine of those young men joined together under the leadership of Frank
Sherman Land, a local freemason, artist, and businessman. What followed was a
movement in masonry whose effects are still noticeable today. Out of the Masonic youth
movement formed many organizations, three of which are prominent today, The Order of
DeMolay, The International Order of Job’s Daughters, and The International Order of the
Rainbow for Girls. These organizations have contributed to a rise in Masonic
involvement and interest among young men and women in this country.
Job’s Daughters International is an international organization for girls who are related to a Master Mason. Young women who are between 10 to 20 years old and have a relationship to a Master Mason or who are daughters of Majority Members may join this group. While Job’s Daughters is not part of the Masonic Fraternity, this eligibility requirement creates a close bond with the Masonic Order.
While the Master Mason is the pinnacle of achievement in the world of freemasonry, there are a number of appendant degrees that Master Masons can use to further their knowledge of the organization. One of the most unique of these is the York Rite, named for the city of York, England. Legend has it that the first meeting of the masons of England took place in the city of York, making the York rite an apt name for this popular appendant degree.
