Where Did The Shriners'
Near-East Theme
Come From?

William J. Florence and Dr. Walter M. Fleming

The Shrine is as North American as baseball, hot dogs and apple pie. It was tied to an Arabic theme by its founders, Billy Florence, an actor, and Walter Fleming, a physician. Fleming and Florence realized the fledgling fraternity needed a colourful, exciting backdrop. It is believed that Florence conceived the Shrine's Near-east setting while on tour in Eastern Europe.

As the legend goes, Florence attended a party in Marseilles, France, hosted by an Arabian diplomat. At the end of the party, the guests became members of a secret society. Florence realized this might be the ideal vehicle for the new fraternity, and he made copious notes and drawings of the ceremony.

When Florence returned to the States, Fleming agreed, and together they created elaborate rituals, designed the emblem and costumes, and formulated the salutation.

Though the Shrine is not itself a secret society, it still retains much of the mysticism and secrecy of its origins.

Updated: March 28, 2005