For many, the Shriners are a bit of a mystery, known for their distinctive fezzes, parade appearances, and charitable work, but not always for the details of their organization. While some might joke about them being a "secret society," the reality is much simpler: the Shriners are a fraternal organization dedicated to fun, fellowship, and philanthropy, particularly through their support of children's healthcare.
A Brief History of the Shriners
The Shriners organization was founded in 1872 in New York City by a group of Freemasons who wanted to create a fraternity with a focus on both camaraderie and charitable work. Over the years, the group has attracted notable members, including Presidents Gerald Ford and Harry Truman, Supreme Court Chief Justice Earl Warren, General Douglas MacArthur, and even cultural icons like John Wayne and J. Edgar Hoover.
The Shriners’ commitment to philanthropy led to the establishment of Shriners Hospitals for Children, a network of 22 hospitals across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. These hospitals specialize in treating children with orthopedic conditions, burns, cleft lip and palate, and other disabilities. Until 2012, all care was provided entirely free of charge. Today, while insurance is billed when available, any costs not covered are absorbed by the hospital—ensuring that families never have to pay out of pocket for necessary medical care.
The Local Impact of the Statesboro Shrine Club
Bulloch County has its own Shriners group, the Statesboro Shrine Club, which was rechartered in May 2016. Though still a relatively young club, its members are working to grow their presence in the community and increase awareness of their mission. The club specifically supports the Shriners Children's Hospital in Greenville, South Carolina, which provides life-changing treatment for children in need.
To raise funds, the club engages in a variety of community events. A key initiative is their paper sale, where members stand on street corners handing out papers in exchange for donations, with 100% of proceeds going directly to the children's hospital. While the exact date for this year’s sale is still being determined, they are aiming for April or May to avoid extreme summer heat.
The club also participates in local parades, where their brightly decorated vehicles and enthusiastic members bring smiles to children and adults alike. Beyond just entertainment, these appearances help build awareness of the Shriners’ mission. One of their biggest annual events in Bulloch County is their boiled peanut sale at the fair, which has grown significantly in the past two years. The club also takes part in community activities like Trunk-or-Treat events, strengthening their ties to local families.
Growing the Shriners’ Presence in Bulloch County
Despite their rich history and ongoing charitable work, the Shriners are still working to establish a stronger presence in Statesboro and Bulloch County. While cities like Vidalia have long-standing and well-known Shriners groups, the Statesboro Shrine Club is still growing its local reputation.
One unique approach they take is holding their meetings at different local restaurants each month. This not only helps the club engage with the community but also supports small businesses in Bulloch County. Eventually, the club hopes to raise enough money to purchase its own meeting space, but for now, it remains focused on outreach and engagement.
How to Get Involved
One key requirement for joining the Shriners is that members must first be Freemasons. While Masonic membership may seem mysterious to outsiders, the process is relatively simple: you have to ask to join. Those interested in becoming a Mason, and, by extension, a Shriner, can reach out to a local Mason or Shriner for more information on the process.
Beyond membership, community members can support the Shriners’ mission by attending their events, donating to their fundraisers, or simply spreading the word about their work.
Supporting the Cause
The Statesboro Shrine Club is actively looking for ways to expand its reach, increase participation, and deepen its impact on the community. For those interested in supporting their efforts, keeping up with local events, and learning more, Grice Connect’s events calendar is a great resource for staying informed about upcoming fundraisers and activities.
Additionally, the club is seeking photos from past events to help showcase their work. If you’ve attended a parade or fair and have pictures of the Shriners in action, they would love to see them!
With 200,000 members worldwide and a network of hospitals providing life-changing medical care, the Shriners' impact is undeniable. And as the Statesboro Shrine Club continues to grow, so too does its ability to make a difference right here in Bulloch County.
