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Ben Hur Shrine History Ben Hur Shriners Shrine Center is located in Austin, Texas. Ben Hur was granted its charter on August 16, 1892. We are always looking to expand our membership. ​ BRIEF HISTORY OF BEN HUR SHRINE – AUSTIN, TEXAS On October 8, 1891, Ben Hur Shrine met under dispensation in the Oasis of Austin, Texas. Imperial Potentate Sam Briggs had appointed Illustrious Sir George H. Green, Potentate of Hella Temple in Dallas, Texas, to conduct the first meeting of the Ben Hur Shrine. Ben Hur Shrine continued to meet under dispensation, until the 1892 Imperial Council session held in Omaha, Nebraska. On August 15, 1892, the Imperial Council granted Ben Hur Shrine its Charter. When Ben Hur Shrine received its Charter it was the second Shrine Temple in Texas and the 58th Shrine Temple chartered. ​ The first Ben Hur meetings were held in the Masonic Lodge located behind the main Austin Post Office and in 1910 Ben Hur and the Austin Scottish Rite Valley purchased an Opera Theater. This building is still the current Scottish Rite Building in Austin. In 1914 Ben Hur sold its interest in the building to the Scottish Rite and while Stated Meetings were still held at the Scottish Rite building, the various Units met at other locations around Austin. In the 1960s Ben Hur purchased a warehouse in north Austin, on U.S. Highway 183 near its intersection with Lamar Boulevard, for Unit meetings and other events. In 1974 Ben Hur sold this property and acquired 18 acres on the west side of Austin in the community of Westlake Hills. In 1975 construction was begun on an activity building and by 1976 offices were added and Ben Hur moved its Stated Meeting to the new facility, as well as its Unit meetings. ​ The new Ben Hur was located adjacent to Westlake High School. The Ben Hur property was a great location with great view corridors of Austin and a good location for the Nobility. During its time there Ben Hur received several offers to purchase the property. One offer was for $7,000,000 cash and allowed us one year to relocate. However, the Nobility had no desire to relocate so every offer was rejected. ​ Unfortunately, the Westlake School District wanted the property and in 2001 they took it by eminent domain proceedings. After a heated legal battle, Ben Hur was paid $3,400,000, which we were told was sufficient to purchase a like parcel of land and build a comparable structure. The check for the property was delivered to Ben Hur by a School Board Member, accompanied by a Deputy Sherriff, with an order to vacate the property within 48 hours. Ben Hur complied with the court order. This unfortunate chapter in the history of Ben Hur was devastating to our membership and caused the loss of many historical items and records. ​ The school district put forth several bond issues to the voters of the District for the development of the Ben Hur property, but the community rejected the bonds, and the property was not developed. The school district didn’t use the property in any productive way, except parking, for many years. In about 2013, the old Ben Hur buildings were torn down. The school district still continues trying to use the property, without going back to the voters of the district, by leasing the property to others. ​ For a three-year period, Ben Hur was without a home and met at various locations including the Scottish Rite Temple, the Elks Lodge and a rented location on Airport Boulevard, and finally an office building belonging to Noble E. M. Lawrence, which allowed us to meet there at no cost. Noble Lawrence was awarded a life membership to Ben Hur for generosity. ​ Ben Hur purchased approximately 29 acres on Highway 71 approximately three miles east of the Austin International Airport with the intention of building a new center. The purchase price was $185,000. Three bids were received for the construction of a new facility comparable to the one in Westlake Hills. The lowest bid, including the cost of the land, was $1,000,000 more than the amount the school district had paid for the Westlake property. ​ As the cost of building escalated and the time to do construction increased, the Nobility voted to purchase an existing building. Ben Hur Shrine acquired a closed funeral home, located at 7811 Rockwood Lane in Austin, and remodeled it for use as the Ben Hur Center and is currently still at this location. ​ While there is no history of why Ben Hur was named “Ben Hur”, it was the name of the second best-selling book behind the Bible from 1880 to 1936. The book “Ben Hur”, the actual name of the book was “Ben Hur: A Tale of Christ” was written in the 1870s by Union Civil War General Lew Wallace. In addition to being a Civil War General, General Wallace served as territorial Governor of New Mexico during the time of Billy the Kid. Of course, Ben Hur Shrine was chartered and named prior to any of the “Ben Hur” movies, so our name came from the book, not the movies. ​ Ben Hur published brochures during its early years, especially about upcoming Ceremonials. And, in the 1930s Ben Hur started the publication of a newsletter and named it “The Chariot”. The Chariot was published periodically until after World War II and starting in 1947, The Chariot was published monthly as Ben Hur’s method of communication. While electronic communications are changing how The Chariot is received by the Nobility, The Chariot continues to be the official communication method. ​ Ben Hur Shrine’s first circus was in 1942 and in 1948 Ben Hur Shrine Circus became an annual event in Austin and has entertained thousands of Central Texans over the years. The Ben Hur Circus continues to be a principal fundraiser and fun event for Ben Hur. ​ Every Shrine Center has its own unique fraternal pin. When Ben Hur was chartered in 1892, new pins were ordered. When the pins arrived, it was discovered that they had been made with the Simitar upside down, which is a sign of distress. The manufacturer refused to replace the pins saying that he had made the pins exactly as requested. Since Ben Hur had just been established and had no funds to replace the pins, the Potentate contacted Imperial Headquarters, explained the problem, and requested permission to use the upside-down pins. Imperial granted special dispensation to Ben Hur to use the pin as manufactured and to this day, it remains Ben Hur’s official pin. ​ The Purpose of Ben Hur Shrine is Fun, Fellowship, and Brotherly Love and that is our foremost objective. Ben Hur representatives were present at the Imperial Shrine Convention when the delegation voted to have a philanthropy and open a children’s hospital for the purpose of treating children with polio. That first hospital was opened in 1922 in Shreveport, Louisiana, and over the years has increased to 22 hospitals for children. Shriners support Shriners Hospitals for Children, a health care system of 22 hospitals that are committed to providing care for children in our specialty areas of Orthopedics, Burn Care, Spinal Cord Injury, and Cleft Lip and Palate, regardless of a family’s ability to pay. ​ Throughout Ben Hur Shrine history, Ben Hur has been a consistent contributor to the world's greatest philanthropy Shriners Hospital for Children. Ben Hur Shriners truly know and support the mission of our hospitals and believe in the meaning of the slogan “No Man Stands So Tall As When He Stoops To Help A Child”. ​ HAVING FUN – CARING FOR KIDS – CHANGING THE WORLD

First Ladies Corner 2024 First Ladies Corner We would like to introduce you to our Texas First Ladies Project by our First Lady Janet Heineman

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Shriners International Headquarters Shriners International , also commonly known as The Shriners, is a society established in 1870 and is headquartered in Tampa, Florida. Shriners International describes itself as a fraternity based on fun, fellowship, and the Masonic principles of brotherly love, relief, and truth. There are hundreds of thousands of members from over 200 Shrine Centers (Chapters) in the U.S., Canada, Brazil, Bolivia, Mexico, the Republic of Panama, the Philippines, and Germany. The organization is best known for the Shriners Children's patient care, and the red fezzes that members wear. Visit us on Facebook to find out more. Patient Care Shriners International Shriners International Headquarters 2900 Rocky Point Drive Tampa, FL 33607, USA Call For a Tour of our Building (813) 281-0300 Take a Drive-By Tour Online Get Directions No man stands so tall as when he stoops to help a child Google Pictures International Videos

What are the Shriners and Masonry? Ben Hur Shriners is a fraternity that is dedicated to the principles of brotherly love, relief, and truth. We are committed to helping those in need through our various charitable works, and we strive to build strong relationships between our members. We believe that Masonry and Shriners are closely related and that the two should be seen as one. We are dedicated to upholding the values and beliefs of Masonry and the Shrine, and we strive to bring a sense of community and fellowship to our members. We believe that one of the greatest gifts that a man can receive is to be a part of something bigger than himself. ​ How do Masonry and Shriners relate to one another? Review the Masonic view of what is the Shrine or What are the Shriners.

2023 Be Happy every Day! ​ A father's love is powerful. ​ A father's love is beautiful. ​ A father's love is precious. ​ A father's love is enduring. A father's love is comforting. ​ A father's love is sacred. ​ The Father's love is everlasting. ​ For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16 NIV ). ​ See what great love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Dear Brothers, now we are children of God, and what we will have not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure (1 John 3:1-3 NIV ). You may have never known the love of your earthly father, and you may never know what it means to love like a father, but you can know the love the Father in heaven has for you. My prayer is that His love will become real in you. Fraternally Yours ​ Chaplain

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) We hope this page helps you get to know what we are all about and you will see what an amazing organization this really is and the wonderful Philanthropy Shriners Children's we represent. How to become a Shriner If you hold the title of Master Mason in Freemasonry, you qualify and are invited to join the Shriners. In order to become a Shriner you must ask a current Shriner to support and sponsor your application. This site makes that process easier by helping you with a virtual mentor who can answer your questions and guide you through the petition process and help you get to know members of your local Shrine Center. If you are not a Freemason, you must achieve that first. Ask for a virtual mentor on this site who will assist you on that journey. Once you are a Master Mason you will then be eligible to petition to become a Shriner. Click on https://beafreemason.org/ page for the first step and then click on https://www.beashrinernow.com/ page and you will be guided toward the right direction. A virtual mentor can also help assist you with every step along the way. Just fill out the form online at https://webfez.shrinenet.org/nextstep and a mentor will help you get started. There are many benefits to becoming a Shriner. Shriners are a well-known fraternal organization recognized for its social and philanthropic activities. You will have the opportunity to develop long lasting relationships with like minded men from all over the world and engage in social activities and events that are available for the entire family. You may Participate in many special interest groups with Shriners that allow like minded men to enjoy some high-spirited fun like: Motorcycles, Rod & Gun Club, Parades, Go-Carts, Clowns, Golf, Competitions, attend Special Events are all examples of these types of groups. The Shriner's are privilege of supporting the "World’s Greatest Philanthropy,” Shriners Hospitals for Children® and Shriners have many opportunities to find personal fulfillment and satisfaction in helping children. So won't you Be a Shriner Now and visit - https://www.beashrinernow.com/ What is a Shriner and what do they believe? Shriners International describes itself as a fraternity based on fun, fellowship, and the Masonic principles of brotherly love, relief, and truth. They are also Famous and have Fun with a Good Purpose - Shriners Hospitals For Children. Masons and Shriners All Shriners are Masons, but not all Masons are Shriners. Shriners International is a spin-off from Freemasonry, the oldest, largest and most widely known fraternity in the world. Freemasonry dates back hundreds of years to when stonemasons and other craftsmen gathered after work in shelter houses, or lodges. Over time, the members organized into Masonic guilds and the tools of their trade – the square and compass – became the symbol of their brotherhood. Over time, Masonry evolved into an organization that began to accept members who were not craftsmen. Today, Masonry is built upon a foundation of improving character and strengthening communities, though the square and compass are still the symbols of the fraternal brotherhood. When Shriners International was first founded in 1872, the organization built on the principles that guided Freemasonry, while adding an element of fun and ultimately, philanthropy, that set Shriners International apart. The two organizations are also structured similarly: Shriners have Shrine Centers and Masons have a Blue Lodges or Craft Lodges. Members of the Masonic lodges are required to learn about their fraternity and earn a series of Masonic degrees. When a member has completed the third and final degree he becomes a Master Mason and is then eligible to become a Shriner. Additional courses of Masonic study are available – these are known as the Scottish Rite and the York Rite. To learn more about how to become a Mason and a Shriner please visit our website at https://www.beashrinernow.com/ Ladies' Organizations Having fun and helping children in need is the hallmark of the Shriners fraternity. Shriners’ ladies have the opportunity to also enjoy the same camaraderie and purpose through several independent organizations that women who are related to a Shriner are eligible to join. They inlcude Daughters of the Nile (DON), The Ladies’ Oriental Shrine of North America (LOSNA) and The Shrine Guilds of America. All three of these organizations support Shriners Hospitals for Children®. See https://www.ladiesorientalshrine.org/ page for more information. Official Song A Brother’s Love: Makes Anything Possible The official Shriners song is told from the perspective of a parent with two sons. You will see that there is a dual meaning to the word brother: one that talks about the care and love of a young sibling, and also the Shriners’ brotherly love that comes to show us that A Brother’s Love: Makes Anything Possible. What is a Freemason and How To Join Freemasonry is a rewarding experience and membership is open to all men aged 18 years or over. Like many membership organizations, there are certain prerequisites that potential members must satisfy when applying to be a Freemason. To become a Freemason a person needs to: Be a Law abiding person Have a belief in a Supreme Being Have made his decision to join Freemasonry by his own free will and not for any personal gain or reasons of idle curiosity. As Freemasonry offers many unique benefits, these prerequisites ensure that those who join get the most out of becoming a Freemason. If you satisfy these requirements and are interested in joining Freemasonry please see our page at https://beafreemason.org/ What is the Editorial without words? The Editorial without words is the most well known and recognized photograph taken 50 years ago on June 11, 1970, in Evansviller, Indiana. It was taken during Hadi Shriners' summer event. Shriner Al Hortman, was helping a little girl that needed help. the noble carried the little girl and the crutches from ride to ride. The photograph is so popular that a replica stands outside Shriners International Headquarters in Tampa Florida. For more information about our hospitals click here What is the Divan members? The Divan is the “board of directors” or “executive council” of the organization, and serves as the management team for both fraternal and business activities of the Shrine. Each Shrine Center has its own Divan, and the minimum number of Divan members is set by Imperial by-laws at five, with each of these being elected by the Nobility (membership). Therefore, all Shrine Centers have at least five members on the Divan. The Divan is usually a "progressive" line, which means that one new person is appointed or elected to the line each year, the other members of the Divan move "up" one position, and the top man retires from the line and becomes a Past Potentate. Here are the 5 positions: 1. Potentate – This is, the Chairman of the Board of a Shrine Chapter. It is an elected position. The Nobles vote, annually, for their choice of Potentate. 2. Chief Rabban – 1st Vice President. As with the Potentate, this is also an elected position. 3. Assistant Rabban – 2nd Vice President. This is also an elected position. 4. High Priest and Prophet – 3rd Vice President. Another elected position. 5. Oriental Guide – 4th Vice President – Yet another elected position. What was the 1st Shrine center? The first Shrine Center established was Mecca Shriners, at the New York City Masonic Hall on September 26, 1872. Who was the 1st Shriner? Walter M. Fleming was the first Potentate. In 1875, there were only 43 Shriners in the organization. What was the 1st hospital? The first Shriners Hospital in the system opened in 1922 in Shreveport, Louisiana. It provides pediatric orthopaedic care and cleft lip and palate. What is an Imperial potentate and what does He do? The chief executive officer for the Shrine of North America is the Imperial Potentate, who is elected for one year. He visits many of the Shrine Temples and hospitals and generally supervises both fraternal and hospital policy. Please visit our page for more information here - https://www.shrinersinternational.org/en/who-we-are/leadership/imperial-divan How many Shriners Hospitals are there? More information about our Shriners Children's locations here https://www.shrinerschildrens.org/en How can I recommend a patient to the Shriners Hospitals? First you need to make an appointment in one of our locations. Simply call the appropriate intake number to request an appointment. All appointments are prioritized on the basis of medical need. If an intake representative is not immediately available, please leave your name and contact information and an intake representative will contact you within two business days. For more information please go here https://www.shrinerschildrens.org/en What are the child's age requirements for the Shriner's Hospitals? Children up to age 18 are eligible for care at Shriners Hospitals for Children if there is a reasonable possibility they can benefit from the specialized services available. Acceptance is based solely on a child's medical needs. For more Information please check Love To the Rescue Website. What does the Shrine emblem Scimitar mean or represent? The scimitar stands for the backbone of the fraternity, its members. The two claws are for the Shriners fraternity and its philanthropy. The sphinx stands for the governing body of the Shriners. The five-pointed star represents the thousands of children helped by the philanthropy each year. The emblem also bears the phrase “Robur et Furor,” which means “Strength and Fury.” What is the Shriners Creed? 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 disease, 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. Who are the original founders of the Shriners? Walter M. Fleming, M.D. & William J. “Billy” Florence What services does the Shriner's hospitals Offer? Burn Care Spinal Cord Injury Craniofacial and Cleft Lip/Palate Sports Injury and Fractures Neuromuscular Orthotics and Prosthetics Rehabilitation and Therapy Are there famous Shriners and Masons? Yes there are plenty of famous Shriners and Masons. Franklin D. Roosevelt Dec. at 63 (1882-1945) from Hyde Park, New York, United States of America Buzz Aldrin Age 89 from Glen Ridge, New Jersey, United States of America Clark Gable - Actor Age Died at 59 (1901-1960) from Cadiz, Ohio, USA John Wayne - Actor Dec. at 72 (1907-1979) from Winterset, Iowa, United States of America Harry S. Truman - President Dec. at 88 (1884-1972) from Lamar, Missouri, United States of America Harry Houdini Age Died at 52 (1874-1926) from Eurasia, Hungary, Central Hungary, Budapest George M. Cohan Dec. at 64 (1878-1942) from Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America Ernest Borgnine Dec. at 95 (1917-2012) from USA, Connecticut, Hamden Gerald Ford - President Dec. at 93 (1913-2006) from Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America Gus Grissom Dec. at 41 (1926-1967) from Mitchell, Indiana, United States of America Warren G. Harding Dec. at 58 (1865-1923) from Ohio, Morrow County, United States, with Territories, Blooming Grove Thurgood Marshall Dec. at 85 (1908-1993) from Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America Gordon Cooper Dec. at 77 (1927-2004) from Shawnee, Oklahoma Kris Kristofferson Age 82 from Texas, USA, Brownsville Mel Blanc Dec. at 81 (1908-1989) from USA, California, San Francisco Johnny Cash - Famous Western Cowboy Actor Dec. at 71 (1932-2003) from USA, Arkansas, Kingsland Count Basie Dec. at 80 (1904-1984) from Red Bank, New Jersey, United States of America Glenn Ford - President Dec. at 90 (1916-2006) from Sainte-Christine-d'Auvergne, Quebec, Canada Will Rogers Dec. at 56 (1879-1935) from Oologah, Oklahoma, United States of America Dick Powell Dec. at 59 (1904-1963) from USA, Mountain View, Arkansas Thomas P. Stafford Age 88 from Weatherford, Oklahoma Gene Autry Dec. at 91 (1907-1998) from Tioga, Texas, United States of America Cecil B. DeMille Dec. at 78 (1881-1959) from Ashfield, Massachusetts, United States of America Nat King Cole Dec. at 46 (1919-1965) from Montgomery, Alabama Duke Ellington Dec. at 75 (1899-1974) from Washington, D.C., United States of America Barry Goldwater, Jr. Age 80 from Los Angeles, California, United States of America Douglas MacArthur Dec. at 84 (1880-1964) from Little Rock, Arkansas, United States of America Sugar Ray Robinson Dec. at 68 (1921-1989) from Detroit, Michigan, United States of America Michael Richards Age 69 from Los Angeles, USA, Culver City, California Jack Kemp Dec. at 74 (1935-2009) from Los Angeles, California, United States of America Norman Vincent Peale Dec. at 95 (1898-1993) from Bowersville, Ohio John Philip Sousa Dec. at 78 (1854-1932) from Washington, D.C. David Pearson Age 84 from Spartanburg, South Carolina Dave Thomas - Founder of Wendys Restaurant chain Dec. at 70 (1932-2002) from Atlantic City, New Jersey Louis B. Mayer Dec. at 73 (1884-1957) from Minsk, Belarus Earl Warren Dec. at 83 (1891-1974) from Los Angeles, California, United States of America Hubert Humphrey Dec. at 67 (1911-1978) from Wallace, South Dakota, United States of America Bob Dole Age 95 from Russell, Kansas, United States of America Oliver Hardy Dec. at 65 (1892-1957) from Georgia, USA, Harlem Walter Chrysler Dec. at 65 (1875-1940) from Wamego, Kansas Arnold Palmer - Golf Pro Age 89 from Latrobe, Pennsylvania, United States of America Irving Berlin Dec. at 101 (1888-1989) from Mogilev Region, Belarus Jack Warner Dec. at 86 (1895-1981) from London, United Kingdom Jack Dempsey Dec. at 88 (1895-1983) from Manassa, Colorado, United States of America Red Skelton - Comedian Dec. at 84 (1913-1997) from Vincennes, Indiana, United States of America J. Edgar Hoover - President Dec. at 77 (1895-1972) from Washington, D.C., United States of America John Diefenbaker Dec. at 84 (1895-1979) from Neustadt, Ontario, Canada Bart Starr Age 81 from Montgomery, Alabama Claire Lee Chennault Dec. at 65 (1893-1958) from Commerce, Texas Ty Cobb Dec. at 75 (1886-1961) from Narrows, Georgia, United States of America Wiley Post Dec. at 37 (1898-1935) from Grand Saline, Texas Roy Rogers - Actor Dec. at 87 (1911-1998) from Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America William Jennings Bryan Dec. at 65 (1860-1925) from Salem, Illinois, USA Harold Lloyd Dec. at 78 (1893-1971) from Burchard, Nebraska, United States of America Charles Horace Mayo Dec. at 74 (1865-1939) from Rochester, Minnesota Audie Murphy Dec. at 46 (1925-1971) from Texas, USA, Kingston Tom Mix Dec. at 60 (1880-1940) from Mix Run, Pennsylvania, United States of America Happy Chandler Dec. at 93 (1898-1991) from Corydon, Kentucky, USA Mel Carnahan Dec. at 66 (1934-2000) from Birch Tree, Missouri, United States of America John J. Pershing Dec. at 88 (1860-1948) from Laclede, Missouri Caleb Bradham Dec. at 67 (1867-1934) from Chinquapin, North Carolina Arleigh Burke is listed (or ranked) 62 on the list Famous Shriners Members Arleigh Burke Dec. at 95 (1901-1996) from Boulder, Colorado Friz Freleng Dec. at 89 (1906-1995) from Kansas City, Missouri, United States of America Edgar Buchanan Dec. at 76 (1903-1979) from USA, Missouri, Humansville Carl Ballantine Dec. at 92 (1917-2009) from Chicago, Illinois, USA Jonathan M. Wainwright Dec. at 70 (1883-1953) from Fort Walla Walla, Walla Walla, Washington Roy Acuff Dec. at 89 (1903-1992) from Maynardville, Tennessee, United States of America Anton Cermak Dec. at 60 (1873-1933) from Kladno, Czech Republic Fiorello H. LaGuardia Dec. at 65 (1882-1947) from Greenwich Village, New York City, New York, United States of America Sam Nunn Age 80 from Macon, Georgia, United States of America William Raborn Dec. at 85 (1905-1990) from Decatur, Texas, United States of America Omar Bradley Dec. at 88 (1893-1981) from Clark, Missouri, United States of America Lloyd Bentsen Dec. at 85 (1921-2006) from Mission, Texas, United States of America Sam Hornish, Jr. Age 39 from Defiance, Ohio John Buchanan Age 87 from Sydney, Canada Paul Whiteman Dec. at 77 (1890-1967) from Denver, Colorado, United States of America Ransom E. Olds Dec. at 86 (1864-1950) from Geneva, Geneva Township, Ohio Lou Sekora Age 87 from Hafford, Canada Mel Tillis Age 86 from USA, Florida, Dover Harold Washington Dec. at 65 (1922-1987) from Chicago, Illinois, United States of America Don DeFore Dec. at 80 (1913-1993) from USA, Cedar Rapids, Iowa Monte Blue Dec. at 76 (1887-1963) from USA, Indianapolis, Indiana Brian Donlevy Dec. at 71 (1901-1972) from Portadown, United Kingdom Ken Maynard Dec. at 70 (1928-1998) from Albury, Australia Cy Young Dec. at 88 (1867-1955) from Gilmore, Ohio Norm Crosby Age 91 from Boston, Massachusetts, USA Tris Speaker Dec. at 70 (1888-1958) from Hubbard, Texas Jimmie Rodgers Age 85 from Camas, Washington, United States of America Ray Nitschke Dec. at 62 (1936-1998) from Elmwood Park, Illinois, United States of America Trent Lott Age 77 from Grenada, Mississippi, United States of America Strom Thurmond Dec. at 101 (1902-2003) from Edgefield, South Carolina, United States of America Charlie Louvin Dec. at 84 (1927-2011) from Henagar, Alabama, United States of America Sid Gillman Dec. at 92 (1911-2003) from Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America Conrad Burns Age 84 from Gallatin, Missouri, USA Ernest King Dec. at 78 (1878-1956) from Lorain, Ohio Arthur Godfrey Dec. at 80 (1903-1983) from New York City, USA, New York Yale Lary Age 88 from Fort Worth, Texas Burl Ives Dec. at 86 (1909-1995) from USA, Illinois Carl Perkins Dec. at 66 (1932-1998) from Tennessee, Tiptonville, Lake County, United States, with Territories Jack Elway Age 29 from Englewood, Colorado Avery Brundage Dec. at 88 (1887-1975) from Detroit, Michigan, United States of America Ben Agajanian Age 99 from Santa Ana, California Foster Brooks Dec. at 89 (1912-2001) from Louisville, Kentucky, USA Clyde Beatty Dec. at 62 (1903-1965) from Bainbridge, Ohio, United States of America Max Bell Dec. at 60 (1912-1972) from Regina, Canada Joe Foss Dec. at 88 (1915-2003) from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, United States of America Theodore Roosevelt, Jr. Dec. at 57 (1887-1944) from Cove Neck, New York, United States of America Danny Thomas Dec. at 79 (1912-1991) from Deerfield, Michigan, United States of America Charles Coburn Dec. at 84 (1877-1961) from Macon, Georgia, United States of America Wallace Beery Dec. at 64 (1885-1949) from USA, Missouri Joe E. Brown Dec. at 82 (1891-1973) from Holgate, Ohio, United States of America Conrad Nagel Dec. at 73 (1897-1970) from Keokuk, Iowa, United States of America Tony Martin Age 54 from Te Kuiti, New Zealand Buck Jones Dec. at 51 (1891-1942) from Vincennes, Indiana, United States of America Chill Wills Dec. at 76 (1902-1978) from Texas, USA, Seagoville Frank Stallone Age 68 from New York City, New York, United States of America Edgar Guest Dec. at 78 (1881-1959) from Birmingham, United Kingdom Roy Clark Age 85 from Meherrin 'Little' Jimmy Dickens Age 98 from Bolt, West Virginia, West Virginia, United States of America Bernt Balchen Dec. at 74 (1899-1973) from Tveit, Norway Harry C. Stutz Dec. at 54 (1876-1930) from Ohio Royal Dano Dec. at 72 (1922-1994) from New York City, USA, New York Buck Trent Age 81 from Spartanburg, South Carolina, United States of America Ballington Booth Dec. at 83 (1857-1940) from Brighouse, United Kingdom Earle Combs Dec. at 77 (1899-1976) from Kentucky Jerry Narron Age 63 from Goldsboro, North Carolina Samuel McLaughlin Dec. at 101 (1871-1972) from Enniskillen, Ontario George Bancroft Dec. at 74 (1882-1956) from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America Charlie Walker Dec. at 79 (1911-1990) from Nottingham, United Kingdom Harlan Carey Brewster Dec. at 48 (1870-1918) from Harvey, Albert County, New Brunswick, Canada W. A. C. Bennett Dec. at 79 (1900-1979) from New Brunswick, Canada Dana X. Bible Dec. at 89 (1891-1980) from Jefferson City, Tennessee Walter M. Schirra, Sr Harry Assu Colonel William (Buffalo Bill) F. Cody Jimmy Dolittle Fred Humes Dec. at 75 (1896-1971) from Dents Run, Pennsylvania, United States of America David Ragan Age 33 from Unadilla, Georgia What is WebFez? Shriners International has a master database of all Shriners and Courtesy Records called WebFez. Visit https://webfez.shrinenet.org/ to Register & Update your personal information on the master database. You may also pay your dues online here. What does the black camel really mean? Black Camel is a list of the nobles that have passed away. Can I pay my Shrine Dues online? Yes There are several different ways that their members can pay their dues online or in person. You can use a personal computer, laptop, mobile phone, or tablet to pay your dues online from any location. It is quick, simple and very easy to do. Nobles can pay using Headquarters WebFez website, please register and log in to be able to make a payment on their personal record. Nobles can go directly to ShrineTempleDues.org Walk into the Shrine Center and Pay their dues in the front office. Attend a Shrine Meeting or Event and Pay their dues to your Shrine Office representative.

Event Spaces Call Now to book your next special occasion. We are Centrally Located. Cynthia Miller Shown by Appointment only Cell 512-845-7228 or email EventsAndParties@yahoo.com Contact Us AMENITIES Ben Hur Shrine Auditorium Rental Facilities Internet access Lighting Onsite Management Private Space Wheelchair accessible Ample parking on site Built-in Bar Area Private Lounge Area Ben Hur Shriners Rental Brochure Ben Hur Shriners Building Drawing AMENITIES Equipment Staging area Alcohol and catering Alcohol is allowed if served by TABC certified bartender Outside caterers allowed Onsite kitchen Round Tables & Chairs Included Capacity 150 to 220 Public & Private Parties Main Hall & Ball Room 2535 Sq. F t. Seated 200 Has foot Stage Main Hall Stage 380 Sq. Ft. Seated 10 Parking Lot Parking Spaces 96 with Handicapped See Parking Spaces Community Meeting Rooms ​ Cocktail Area 580 S q. Ft. Seated 25 Shriners Are about fun, friendship, fellowship & Philanthropy Rent our Space - You are Going to Have Good Memories Here