HISTORY OF AL MENAH SHRINERS

It had been 42 years since Dr. Walter Millard Fleming and 12 associates gave birth to the Shrine and there were 186,000 Shriners in North America, when a group of very active, energetic and devoted 32nd degree Scottish Rite Masons and Knights Templar of the Nashville and Middle Tennessee area organized a new Temple. A dispensation on May 8, 1912 officially initiated the impetus for Al Menah Temple. This was followed by its Charter on May 13, 1913 as the 131st Temple in North America. There were 314 charter members. All of these were Nobles already belonging to the Shrine. Given exclusive jurisdiction over the middle division of Tennessee, with the exception of the counties of Cumberland, Fentress and Van Buren, most were members of Al Chymia and Alhambra Temples of Memphis and Chattanooga, and others came from out-of-state Temples For ninety-five years, Al Menah Shriners has continued as one of the substantial institutions of Middle Tennessee. It was begun by, and has been nurtured by, many of the leading citizens of our communities. The charter members set high standards for the fraternity here and these standards have been faithfully guarded and protected by their successors. Always adhering to the best interest of society, it has maintained the respect of the people of Nashville and Middle Tennessee.

Over the years Al Menah Shriners has taken an active part in the civic affairs of Middle Tennessee. The Temple has from time to time conducted programs of entertainment for the children of orphanages, homes and institutions, conducted patriotic exercises, Nobility picnics and outings, flag distributions, school contests, concerts, and entertainment for Nashville Nobility and their Ladies. It has also provided shelter during emergencies. The Uniformed Units take a prominent part in the parades opening civil celebrations, National Flag Day and Memorial ceremonies, The Shrine Circus, the Shrine Paper Sale, and conventions.

The Shriners Creed

Shriners believe in God and that He created man to serve His purposes, among which is service to others in His name.

We believe that care for the less fortunate, especially children who suffer from burns and crippling diseases, is our institutional calling.

We are patriots, each willing to serve his country with fidelity and courage. We cherish independence under law and freedom with responsibility.

We honor family. We respect our parents, wives and children. We should instill in our children the tenets of this creed, and the heritage from which it emanates.

As individuals we pledge ourselves to integrity, virtue and nobility of character. Our intentions will be honorable, our relations will be trustworthy and our spirits forgiving of each other.

As brothers we offer each other fraternal affection and respect. Together we will support each other in adherence to this creed, so that we and our communities will be the better because of our fraternity and its principles.

As Shriners we look beyond ourselves to serve the needs of others, especially children who cannot help themselves. We believe Shriners Hospitals to be the world's greatest philanthropy, and we covenant with each other to support its "temples of mercy" with spirit, time, talent and means.