Scottish Rite Temple in Asheville, NC
It's title is across the lintel over the entrance.
This is a Masonic temple...here's the altar...
I don't know a thing about this. I just found out my step-grandfather was a Shriner. Is that the same? Or does that connect to Masons?
I'll have to do some research when I get some time to look it up.
OK- good old Wikipedia says this...
Shriner... is a men's fraternity rather than a religion or religious group. Its only religious requirement is indirect: all Shriners must be Masons, and petitioners to Freemasonry must profess a belief in a Supreme Being. To further minimize confusion with religion, the use of the word "temple" to describe Shriners' buildings has been replaced by "Shrine Center", although individual local chapters are still called temples.
Until 2000, before being eligible for membership in the Shrine, a person had to complete either the Scottish Rite or York Rite degrees of Masonry, but now any Master Mason can join.
So my answer is yes, Shriners are Masons. I'm not sure all Masons are Shriners. But the funeral procession of my grandfather was by Shriners. (I envision them in their little cars with fez hats on...but I bet it wasn't like that at all!)
