On February 10, 1896, a group of Masons was issued a dispensation to form the nucleus of a new Shrine Temple. On June 24 of that year, a charter was issued to El Zaribah Shrine Temple in an area identified as the Arizona Territory. El Zaribah is said to be translated into “Hunter’s Paradise.” Soon after the charter was issued, a band and a patrol were formed to comply with Imperial Council’s requirement that every Temple was to have such units.

During the early years of El Zaribah, it is understood that most activities were held in a building known as the Berryhill Building, located near First Street and East Washington in Phoenix.

On February 22, 1921, the old El Zaribah Shrine Temple was dedicated. “Vic” Hanny was Potentate at that time. During the decade of the 70’s it became apparent that a new location for the Temple would need to be established. The state of Arizona wanted the site at 15th Avenue & Washington to be incorporated into the government mall.

The present site was located and ground was broken in October of 1988. On September 30, 1989, the Cornerstone Laying was held. The first regular stated meeting was held in the new building on December 13, 1989.

El Zaribah Shriners is the local chapter of Shriners International with jurisdiction of the northern part of Arizona.  Members of Shriners International are members of the Masonic Order and adhere to the principles of Freemasonry – Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth.

Freemasonry is the oldest, largest, and most widely known fraternal organization in the world. It dates back hundreds of years to when stonemasons and other craftsmen on building projects gathered in shelter houses or lodges. Through the years these gatherings changed in many ways until formal Masonic lodges emerged, with members bound together not by trade, but by their own wishes to be fraternal brothers.

Shriners International is that fraternity based on fun, fellowship and the Masonic principles of brotherly love, relief and truth with nearly 200 temples (chapters) in seven countries and thousands of clubs around the world.

It is the mission of Shriners International to:

– Be the premier fraternal organization for men of good character
– Provide attractive, quality programs and services for its members, their families and their friends in a spirit of fun, fellowship and social camaraderie
– Foster self-improvement through leadership, education, the perpetuation of moral values and community involvement
– Serve mankind through the resources of its philanthropy, Shriners Hospitals for Children®

Shriners are distinguished by an enjoyment of life in the interest of philanthropy.  They enjoy parades, trips, circuses, dances, dinners, sporting events, and other social occasions together. Furthermore, Shriners support their hospital that has become known as the “World’s Greatest Philanthropy,”

Through fellowship and philanthropy, Shrinedom strengthens the soul and adds inner meaning to daily life. It thus spreads a glow of joy through one’s entire family.

Men from all walks of life and all levels of income find fun, fellowship, and relaxation in their local Shrine Temple and its activities. There are also regional Shrine Clubs in many communities. Family picnics, dances, parties, and scheduled trips to near and far are just a few of the activities available.

For the Shriner desiring even more activity, there are various Units that he can join, such as drum & bugle corps, Oriental bands, motor corps, horse patrols, and clown units. Every effort is made to ensure that a Noble has a variety of activities from which he may choose.