Royal Order of Jesters

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The Royal Order of Jesters is a fraternal organization affiliated with Freemasonry and the Shriners.

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 25, 1917, at an informal meeting.^[1]

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", 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.^[2].

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 the public exposure or public access to Jester information.

Controversy

Several members of the organization in Western New York were charged in connection with crimes due to providing prostitutes for Jesters functions. Retired state supreme court judge Ronald Tills was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment in August 2009. Previously sentenced was former police captain John Trowbridge (two years probation) and Till's law clerk Michael Stebick (4 months home confinement). The charges were limited to these members of the Buffalo chapter, and a Jesters spokesman stated that this conduct was confined to that chapter.

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

1. ^ Jesters History"Royal Order of Jesters: Mirth is King". http://www.iroj.org/. Retrieved 2008-04-13.
2. ^ Royal Order of Jesters"Royal Order of Jesters: Mirth is King". http://www.iroj.org/. Retrieved 2008-04-13.

External links

The Royal Order of Jesters