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One hundred and twenty five years ago an internationally prominent actor and a physician, who was also a highly skilled juggler-magician, decided to design a "Playground for Masonry." This organization, as yet unnamed, eventually became the Mystic Shrine of North America.
The famous actor, Billy Florence and the respected physician, Dr. Walter M. Fleming, who was a 33 degree Scottish Rite Mason, were brought together by their mutual quest for an organization of eligible Masons which would be interesting, impressive, and where good fellowship would be the watchword. Dr. Fleming delegated the creation of the Shrine Ritual to Billy Florence because of his theatrical talents, both technical and promotional. Borrowing from experience obtained while in Europe, as well as many mystical and legendary traditions from several Arab countries, Noble-to-be Florence created the Shrine Ritual, Much as we see it today. After years of preparation, a meeting was held in the Masonic Hall, 114 East 13th Street, New York City, for the purpose of formally organizing the first Shrine Temple in the United States.
Dr. Fleming proposed that "Mecca" be the name of this Shrine. From that beginning over 125 years ago, the Ancient Arabic Order of the Mystic Shrine has grown to be one of the greatest Fraternal and charitable organizations in history. Egypt Shrine is one of 191 Temples within the jurisdiction of the Imperial Shrine Headquarters right here in Tampa,
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