The Ladies Oriental Shrine is an organization, founded in 1903, is a source of delight and joy for those who become members. It is composed of one hundred one chartered courts throughout North America with a geographic area of responsibitity. The purpose of all courts is to accept an obligation to extend financial support and assistance to Shriners Children Hospitals with emphasis on hospital funding, hospital sewing and other special projects.
The Ladies Oriental Shrine was first organized in the jurisdiction of Osiris Temple in Wheeling, West Virginia, on Feb. 14, 1903. The Grand Council was organized in 1914 and incorporated in 1954. The Grand High Priestess is the elected governing officer of the Grand Council. All officers of the Grand Council have titles of Grand Officers and are subordinate to the Grand High Priestess. All Grand Council chartered courts elect a High Priestess to be the governing officer of that court. To become a member of Ladies Oriental Shrine, a woman must be the wife, mother, daughter, granddaughter, widow, sister, half-sister, step-daughter or niece of a Shriner in good standing at the time of death.
Ankh Court #92
This Court was chartered in 1975 at San Jose, California and presently has four units, a club and a committee. The units are the Patrol, Djinni, Fantacy Dancers, and Rosebud Klowns. The club and committee are the High Priestess Club and the Sewing Committee. Each unit, club and committee perform special interests in the court organization. Together they accomodate a variety of social and fun filled calendar of events to support the court and provide "Fund Raising" projects to benefit Shriners Hospitals.
The Court "stated" meetings are held at the San Jose Masonic Center, 2500 Masonic Drive, San Jose at 8 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of each month, except July and December when meetings may be suspended by a majority vote of the court and during Grand Council. Dinner and refreshments are varied before and after meetings.
HISTORY: The Ladies Oriental Shrine of North America was organized in West Virginia in 1903. The purpose is to provide financial support and assistance to the Shriners for their network of hospitals, including funding for transportation, sewing for the children, purchase special equipment, and for the support of research. This Order does not claim to be an auxiliary of the A.A.O.N.M.S., but we are proud of the great humanitarian kindness and strive to cooperated and assist our Nobles in their effort.
Membership is open to ladies who are at least eighteen years of age and who are related by blood, marriage or adoption to a member in good standing of A.A.O.N.M.S.
All courts are chartered by the Grand Council and consist of ten elected officers (the top position being the High Priestess), seven appointed officers, and in addition aides and pages as needed. All courts may also have a variety of units, clubs, and committees. The number of units, clubs and committees each court has depends on the size of membership and the interest of it's members.
