The Auburn Shrine Club proudly proclaims itself as the oldest continuous Shrine Club in the world. Although the exact date has been lost to history, it is believed that the club began in the mid- to late- teens of the 20th century in association with the Damascus Shrine Center. From its creation, members of the club have held monthly dinners with its Nobles and Ladies, drawing from the areas around Auburn, New York, and currently includes Shrine Masons from both Damascus in Rochester, and Tigris in Syracuse.
We meet on the third Monday of each month at various restaurants throughout Cayuga County. Each dinner has a short program that allows us to invite local community members and fellow Masons to present on a wide array of topics. Examples of presenters have ranged from local Sheriffs, Chamber of Commerce directors, Habitat for Humanity volunteers, and Masonic Learning Center staff, to Irish Dancers and Shrine Clown Units. The club strives to provide good fellowship with both entertaining and educational discussions. In the summer we celebrate with a large family steak roast where kids and grandchildren can join us, and several events are attended with neighboring Shrine Clubs, such as Christmas and Valentines parties.
The club is also active in the community. It has and continues to support Masonic Child ID drives and staffs the kettles for Christmas bell ringing for the Salvation Army. We regularly collect can tabs for the Shriners Hospitals for Children, both from individuals and institutions, such as schools, businesses and the Auburn area’s Rainbow Girls. Additionally, the club makes regular donations directly to the Erie and Springfield Shriners Hospitals for Children.
The club is open to all active Shrine Masons. Please feel welcome to join us- simply call the Damascus Shrine Center, who can then put you in contact with the current officers of the particular year.
OFFICERS FOR 2010
- President: John Cambareri
- Vice President: James Kahn
- Treasurer: Charles Minster
- Secretary: David Bowman
- Chaplain: Theodore Tennant
- Erie Hospital Rep: Robert Anderson
- Springfield Hospital Rep: Ken Pollard