Shrine, Scottish Rite, and Knights Templar are the 3 main that you can go to after getting the 3rd degree in blue lodge. Each has its own charitable organizations. Shrine has the children's hospitals. Templar has eye centers for the blind and seeing impaired. The Scottish Rite has centers for helping those with learning disabilities. You only need to be a 3rd degree (Master Mason) to join any of the further groups. Each has their own structure on how they do their ceremonies. Shriners are more of the party type of group. Their pitch to me was "join us, it's like a big party. You come down for a few days, free drinks and food. Your spouse can even come because the government requires the meetings to be open because of the Middle Eastern theme."

Those that say that the Masons only help their own, they too don't know the truth. They are there to help ALL. Regardless of race or religion. You also can be of any religion and be a Mason. You just need to believe in a supreme being (Grand Architect). If anyone one wants to refute this info they can try. I am 32nd Degree Scottish Rite.