On Saturday, January 17, the Hamasa Shriners installed officers for 2015 at their building in Marion. The 2015 Hamasa Potentate, Edward A. Garrard, and the officers, known as the Divan, have several goals for this year.  

    One principle goal is to put sponsored children in the forefront and to also increase the public awareness of Hamasa Shriners, a Hamasa Shriners press release states.

    Hamasa Shriners were chartered by the Imperial Shriners in 1893 and encompasses 31 counties in Northeastern Mississippi. Presently Hamasa has more than 1,200 members and sponsors more than 650 Shrine Hospital patients.  Members are called “Nobles” and are often seen in various community parades. There is a select group that transports children to out hospitals for treatment.

         Shriners International is a fraternity based on fun, fellowship and the Masonic principles of brotherly love, relief and truth with nearly 200 temples (chapters) in seven countries and thousands of clubs around the world.

    The fraternity is open to men of integrity from all walks of life, the press release states. Shriners International also supports Shriners Hospitals for Children, a health system of 22 facilities dedicated to providing pediatric medical care, world-class research and educational opportunities for medical professionals. Those who know of a child Shriners can help are asked to call 1-800-237-5055.