The Shrine has often been called the “playground of Freemasonry.” Before a man can become a Shriner, he must become a Freemason.
In fact, if you look carefully at the full name — Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine — you can rearrange the letters A.A.O.N.M.S.
And spell “A MASON.” “Candidates for induction into the Shriners are greeted by a High Priest, who says:
