Royal Order of Jesters

The Royal Order of Jesters is a fraternal organization affiliated with Freemasonry and the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine [Former state justice is a central figure in probe of activities of Buffalo Jesters cite news |first=Dan |last=Herbeck |title=Judge Tills traveled with woman he jailed on prostitution charge |url=http://www.buffalonews.com/home/story/316564.html |publisher=Buffalo News |date=2008-04-06 |accessdate=2008-04-13 ] .Whereas most Masonic bodies are dedicated to charity, The Royal Order of Jesters is a fun "degree", with absolutely no serious intent. The motto, "Mirth is King", is enough to give voice to the purpose of the organization. The Royal Order of Jesters feel that there are times, after their hard work and dedication to family and mankind, everyone should remember to laugh and appreciate the good work they have done. [Royal Order of Jesterscite web |url=http://www.iroj.org/ |title=Royal Order of Jesters: Mirth is King |accessdate=2008-04-13] .

Formation

The original meeting resulting in the formation was held on February 20, 1911, by Shriners in the Captain’s office of the S.S. "Wilhelmina" on a pilgrimage to Aloha Temple, Hawaii. Noble A.M. Ellison of San Francisco, California, was responsible and the original cast included a Director and thirteen members. It was organized June 25th, 1917, at an informal meeting. [Jesters Historycite web |url=http://www.iroj.org/ |title=Royal Order of Jesters: Mirth is King |accessdate=2008-04-13]

About the organization

Jesters are made from members of the Shrine in good standing. Membership is by invitation only, not application. It is a "fun degree, with absolutely no serious intent. The motto, ‘Mirth is King,” gives the general idea of the organization. They believe that after you work and dedicate your time to humanity in general, you should laugh and be happy.

The order is very anti-publicity. For, example, a website made by one of its members was removed after intervention of the National Court of the Order. The primary reason behind this was the desire of the Board to minimize to the extent possible the public exposure or public access to Jester information.

Membership

Local "courts" are limited to thirteen initiates yearly. Initiation, by invitation and unanimous ballot, is limited to members in good standing of the Shrine and Masonic Lodge.

Museum

The Royal Order of Jesters own a museum, where they display items relating to the group and some items related to William Shakespeare and other historical people who focused on humor in their works.

References