Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles Mystic Shrine of North and South America

The Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles Mystic Shrine of North and South America and Its Jurisdictions, Inc. is a fraternal, benevolent, and charitable organization in the United States.

History

The Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles Mystic Shrine was established on June 3, 1893, as an Imperial Council of Prince Hall Shriners in Chicago, Illinois, by 13 Prince Hall Masons under the leadership of John George Jones. They organized the first Prince Hall Shrine Temple, Palestine Temple, in Apollo Hall on State Street. This event was followed by the organization of the Imperial Grand Council of Prince Hall Shriners on June 10, 1893. John George Jones was instrumental in establishing Prince Hall Shrine Temples across various U.S. cities, including Los Angeles, Washington D.C., Jacksonville, Indianapolis, Baltimore, Kansas City, St. Louis, New York City, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Providence, Alexandria, and Richmond[1][5].

In 1900, under the leadership of Noble Isaac L. W. Holland, the Imperial Grand Council was reorganized. This reorganization led to the adoption of the new name: Imperial Council of the Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles Mystic Shrine of North and South America and Its Jurisdictions, Incorporated. The first annual session of the newly reorganized council took place on September 25, 1901, in Newark, New Jersey, where a constitution was formally adopted to establish the fraternity as it is today[1][5].

Purpose and Programs

The organization is dedicated to promoting civic, economic, and educational development programs globally. It supports various initiatives, including:

• Annual Grants: To the Prince Hall Shrine Health and Medical Research Foundation, institutions of higher learning, and hospitals for medical research.
• Scholarships: A national scholarship program for young women to attend colleges and universities of their choice.
• Educational Grants: For economically disadvantaged youth.
• Anti-Substance Abuse Programs: Financial aid for youth combating drug abuse, crime, and delinquency.
• Civic Engagement: Annual grants to organizations like the NAACP, Legal Defense Fund, and United Negro College Fund.
• Youth Development: Support for summer camps, voter education, and registration drives[1].

Structure and Membership

Membership is restricted to regular Freemasons from lodges descended from African Lodge #459, the first African American Masonic lodge, established in 1784[1]. The organization has a significant international presence with approximately 35,000 members in over 227 Shrine Temples and 200 Courts of its women's auxiliary, the Daughters of Isis, across the U.S., Canada, Europe, Asia, and other regions[1].