The Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (A.E.A.O.N.M.S.) is a masonic organization for African Americans.[1]Daughters of Isis is its sister organization.
History
The order was incorporated under the laws of Illinois in 1893. That incorporation was eventually abandoned and in 1901 the order was incorporated as a fraternal and charitable association under the Act of Congress passed May 5, 1870.
Fraternal groups for African Americans, including this one, were sued by whites only membership groups, in this case the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (Shriners), a masonic organization that accused the African Americans of infringing on their name and practices.[2]
It established orders in El Paso, Dallas, and Houston.[2] The suspension of a lodge in 1946 was followed by a lawsuit.[3]
Author and historian of masonry Joseph A. Walkes[7] wrote Black Square & Compass: 200 Years of Prince Hall Freemasonry published in 1989 and History of the Shrine: Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, Inc. (Prince Hall Affiliated) : a Pillar of Black Society, 1893-1993 published in 1993.[8]
Oliver Washington Jr. was documented as 38th[9] Imperial Potentate in 2009.[10]
The group has held a convention in Tampa, Florida four times and a fifth convention is planned for 2026. The 2023 convention included a parade and community outreach. The City of Tampa anticipated 12,000 attendees and family
members visiting for the 2023 event.[11]
Locations
The organization has numerous Temples and Courts in the "Desert of Florida".[12]
