Page "Shriners" Paragraph 6

In 1875, there were only 43 Shriners in the organization.

In an effort to spur membership, at the June 6, 1876 meeting of Mecca Temple, the Imperial Grand Council of the Ancient Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine for North America was created.

Fleming was elected the first Imperial Potentate.

After some other reworking, by 1878 there were 425 members in 13 temples in eight states, and by 1888, there were 7, 210 members in 48 temples in the United States and Canada.

By the Imperial Session held in Washington, D. C. in 1900, there were 55, 000 members and 82 Temples.

By 1938 there were about 340, 000 members in the United States.

That year Life published photographs of its rites for the first time.

It described the Shriners as " among secret lodges the No. 1 in prestige, wealth and show ", and stated that " n the typical city, especially in the Middle West, the Shriners will include most of the prominent citizens.