KINGSWAY SHRINE CLUB EMBROIDERED SEW ON ONLY PATCH ORGANIZATION NOS 3 1/2"

Description

KINGSWAY SHRINE CLUB EMBROIDERED SEW ON ONLY PATCH ORGANIZATION NOS 3 1/2"
This is the story of an organization that is as "American" as apple pie, despite its name, so don't let that name mislead you, for after all, what's in a name? Certainly not what's implied in the case of the
Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine.
The major resemblance, if any, of the Mystic Shrine of North America to any possible connection to organizations existing in Middle Eastern Europe back in the 6th Century is in its selection of names for its Temples; in its glamorous pageantry; in its colorful ceremonial and parade costumes and trappings, and in its return to early history for its ritualistic lessons.
Mystery and uncertainty shroud the formation of virtually all secret societies and the Mystic Shrine of North America is no exception.
We know why, how and where the Mystic Shrine of North America was actually founded but what we don't know is where to place the dividing line between fact and fiction as regards to a possible early-day namesake organization in the Middle East. We know considerable showmanship is necessary in the establishment of any secret order because it lends importance and attractiveness that cause people to desire and seek membership. We know that the co-founders of the Mystic Shrine of North America were good showmen. Actor William Florence was reared to regard the world as a stage and all the people as actors. Dr. Walter M. Fleming could have earned a good livelihood as a juggler and magician.
The fact about the founding of the Mystic Shrine of North America is that these two men did most of the preliminary work. Dr. Fleming concocted the idea of a new fraternal Order, plugged away at it day and night for many years, and finally saw it bear fruit. Actor Florence's name was well known and he added a touch of glamour to the project and actually came up with the dramatic idea for the Order and its ritual.
As in the cases of many other famous men, the paths of the co-founders of the Mystic Shrine of North America crossed long before they met and became fast friends and fraternal Brothers.
Dr. Fleming was completing his higher degree work in Masonry at the time, and in his quest for complete relaxation, he had an urge to establish a playground for Masons - an organization to which only Masons who had completed their Scottish Rite or York Rite would be eligible. He discussed the idea with Florence, hoping to obtain from that master showman some tips relative to a name and possibly a ritual. What Dr. Fleming desired was something that would be both impressive and amusing - something in which good fellowship would abound.
The talks with Florence came on the eve of his departure with his wife for their tour of the British Isles and Europe. Florence promised to keep an eye open for an idea. A few months later, in Marseilles, France, actor Florence was invited by a banker to attend a party given by an Arabian diplomat. The entertainment apparently was something in the nature of an elaborately staged musical comedy, at the conclusion of which, the guests became members of a secret society.
The first actual development following the return of Florence was the completion of a rough draft of the Ritual that was finished in August 1870.
An early publicity release relative to the Mystic Shrine was that it was exceedingly difficult to pass the initiation tests. The word was that they were tough both mentally and physically.
Finally, the word got around that members of the Mystic Shrine were permitted to wear an emblem that set them apart from all others and a red fez head covering that really attracted attention. Quite naturally the build-up stirred widespread interest, which was exactly what the promoters desired.