Yaarab Temple Shrine.

This menacing-looking wall hanging was seen inside the auditorium where the steel guitar show took place. 

A previous version of this page stated that I wondered just how it was that the Shriners began adopting so much Arab iconography into their architecture and festival clothing.

The I got an email from a reader associated with the Temple and she explained:

"The Arabian ornamentation came from one of the founding members, William J. Florence.  He was an actor and traveled quite extensively in Europe.  He was invited to a party that was given by an Arabian diplomat while visiting France.  He brought the idea back to the first members where they decided to adorn the fez and the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (A.A.O.N.M.S) was started in 1870." 

Also worth noting is the fact that the Shriners now support their own 22 hospitals for orthopedic and burned children, free of charge, in North America, and Mexico.  Next time you get a chance, please consider making a donation.

Also worth a look.......

Date:    02/05/06

Back to Temple thumbnails