Masonic Life Network

In 1870 a group of Masons gathered frequently for lunch at the Knickerbocker Cottage on Sixth Avenue in New York City. At a special table on the second floor a particularly fun-loving group of men met regularly. Among the regulars were Walter M. Fleming, M.D. and William J. “Billy” Florence, an actor. The group frequently talked about starting a new fraternity for Masons – one centered on fun and fellowship, more than ritual. Fleming and Florence took this idea seriously enough to do something about it.

Knickerbocker Cottage on Sixth Avenue in Manhattan

Billy Florence had been on tour in France, and had been invited to a party given by an Arabian diplomat. The exotic style, flavors and music of the Arabian-themed party inspired him to suggest this as a theme for the new fraternity. Walter Fleming, a devoted fraternity brother, built on Fleming’s ideas and used his knowledge of fraternal ritual to transform the Arabian theme into the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (A.A.O.N.M.S.).

With the help of the Knickerbocker Cottage regulars, Fleming drafted the ritual, designed the emblem and costumes, formulated a salutation and declared that members would wear the red fez.

The first meeting of Mecca Shriners, the first temple (chapter) established in the United States, was held September 26, 1872. As word got out about the fledgling organization, membership grew rapidly, spreading across the U.S. In the early 1900s, membership spread into Canada, Mexico and Panama. Today, Shriners International is a fraternity with nearly 200 temples in several countries, thousands of clubs around the world and hundreds of thousands of members dedicated to the principles of brotherly love, relief and truth.

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It is the mission of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, SJ, to improve its members and enhance the communities in which they live by teaching and emulating the principles of Brotherly Love, Tolerance, Charity, and Truth while actively embracing high social, moral, and spiritual values including fellowship, compassion, and dedication to God, family and country.

About San Bernardino Valley

The years 1956 and 1957 saw feverish anticipation as Brethren of the area realized that soon the Valley of San Bernardino would become the 16th Scottish Rite Valley in California. With the election of Henry Christian Clausen, 33°, as Sovereign Grand Inspector General (SGIG) in the Orient of California and active Member of the Supreme Council, AASR of Freemasonry of the SJ of the USA, fresh impetus had been give the idea had been given the idea of a Consistory in this area.

Letters temporary for San Bernardino Lodge of Perfection and a Chapter of Rose Croix were personally presented by Ill. Brother Clasusen, 33rd, to Arthur B. Drake , 32nd, Venerable Master and Walter W. Taylor, 32nd, Wise Master on September 7, 1956.

The first class finished in the spring of 1957, and was named the “John H. Logie, 33rd, Alpha Class”. In December 1957, a two year lease was signed with the Women’s Club of Highland, California and the first meeting held there on December 17, 1957. Letters of Temporary for a Council of Kadosh and a Consistory were issued on December 16, 1957 and received on January 11, 1958.

Ground breaking for our present Center at 4400 Varsity Ave., was Saturday January 14, 1970 with Ill Carl J. Driscoll, 33rd, as Chairman for the event. The first class was started on October 24, 1970, August 13, 1971, saw the cornerstone officially laid by the Most Worshipful Herbert A. Heubner, Grand Master of Masons in California and Hawaii, with Grand Lodge being opened and closed at the San Bernardino Center.

Continuing a tradition which began on February 2, 1974, all four bodies of the Valley continue to hold annual joint Installation of officers in either late January or early February.