Imperial Code

IMPERIAL CODE ARTCILE XXIII – Temple Membership

Temple, How Constituted:  A temple consists of its officers and as many members as it admits

Petition, Form:  Each petition for membership shall bear the written recommendation of two members of the temple to which the application is made.

Prerequisite for Membership

a)        Prerequisite:  A temple may not accept a petition from a candidate unless he is in good standing as a Master Mason of a Lodge recognized by or in amity with the Conference of Grand Masters of North America

b)       Single Prerequisite:  A temple may not add to or take from the qualifications for membership in temples as fixed by these bylaws

NOBLES - From the Imperial Code presented above
you will note the all-important phase of your association with the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine of North America. To be in good standing in your Temple you are required by Imperial Code to have your current year’s assessment in your prerequisite body fully paid and on record.

Kindly check your position, Nobles, and do not give
cause to be suspended or expelled from your Temple.
SHRINERS AND THE FEZ The fez upon one’s head does not give the wearer license to commit acts and to behave in a way which brings criticism upon our Order.
At gatherings of Nobles, the off-colour actions of just a
few are always noticed by the profane, who never considers the fact that the remaining 98 per cent are behaving like gentlemen. They assume that all Shriners are just like those whose conduct is not what it should be.

Masonry, as such, makes very few public appearances.
However, Shriners wearing fezzes, and particularly Nobles in the colourful uniforms of our Marching Units, are immediately recognized by the profane as Masons, and we should remember that it is our duty, not only as Shriners, but as Masons, to uphold the good reputations of all the Masonic bodies.