ABOUT US
Shriners International is a fraternal charitable organization based on fun, fellowship and the Masonic principles of brotherly love, relief and truth. We raise money to fund Shriners Hospitals for Children. With nearly 200 local chapters and thousands of clubs on six continents, Shriners are known for their fellowship, brotherhood, compassion and generosity.
Ill. Sir John A. Slessor - Potentate 2026
"We do it for the kids"
John has dedicated nearly five decades to Freemasonry and its appendant bodies. Initiated into Tuscan Lodge #99 in 1975, he has served as Worshipful Master of Tuscan Lodge #99, Corinthian Lodge #481, and Manitoba Lodge #236, and as District Deputy Grand Master for Toronto District #5. In the Scottish Rite, he attained the 32nd Degree in 1980, served as Commander-in-Chief of the Barrie Consistory, and was coroneted an Honorary Inspector General, 33rd Degree, in 2004.
John’s York Rite service includes leadership roles in the Royal Arch, Cryptic Rite, Knights Templar, and related bodies. He is also a member of the Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests, the Rosicrucian Society of Freemasons, and other invitational bodies.
A member of Rameses Shrine since 1981, John has held numerous leadership roles, including Past President of the Viking Shrine Club and Past Conductor of the Founders Unit 1888. Elected to the Rameses Divan in 2022, he was installed as Illustrious Potentate of the Rameses Shriners on January 3, 2026.
2026 Ceremonial Events
Friday June 12, 2026
Muskoka Shriner's Golf Tournament
Lakeside Course at Deerhurst Resort - Registration 9am, Tee Off 10am
Join us for 9 holes of challenging golf and a delicious BBQ burger lunch overlooking Pen Lake at the Deerhurst Lakeside Golf Course. It's 4 person scramble format. Indicate your 3 playing partners on the registration page, or if you don't have a foursome we'll hook you up!
Wenonah II Boat Cruise
Muskoka Steamships & Discovery Centre: 9am bus departure, 10am Museum opens, 11am Lunch & 1pm Cruise
Experience a traditional and unique 2 hour Lake Muskoka cruise where you’ll follow the centuries old route and see the beauty of the Muskoka Lakes landscape. Lunch will be held in the impressive Muskoka Discovery Center, next to the Wenonah II dock, where you can enjoy the many historical displays and the in-water antique boat collection. Transportation from Huntsville Ceremonial Hotels is available as a separate item on the registration form. Nobles are also welcome to go directly to the Muskoka Steamships & Discovery Centre prior to check-in at your Huntsville accommodation.
Shriners Cottage Party Dinner and Dance
The Summit Centre: 5:30pm - 11pm
This event is open to friends of Shriners too. Join us at the Summit Center a good old fashioned Muskoka summer dock party. Social hour at 5:30pm, buffet dinner at 6:30pm (gluten-free and vegan options available), then at 7 pm Juno award-winner Paul James Band start us off with 50's and 60's tunes. At 9pm Huntsville's own Tobin Spring Band continues the night with the best of the 70's, 80's and 90's. Shuttle provided from Ceremonial Hotels.
Saturday June 13, 2026
Ladies Program
Canvas Brewing Co. - 9am
Join us for a fun and creative Ladies Day beginning at 9:00am, with transportation provided from participating hotels (please watch for shuttle schedules). Enjoy morning coffee and tea, followed by a catered lunch (gluten-free and vegan options available). Choose between a guided canvas painting experience ($90) or creating beautiful birch bark cards ($60). You’ll also have the chance to win some great prizes! The venue is conveniently located within short walking distance of the parade route. Space is limited, so book early. Please advise of any dietary restrictions at the time of registration.
Shriner's Ceremonial Parade
Main Street, Huntsville - 1pm
Come and cheer your Nobles on during this annual ceremonial parade, which will be held on the Huntsville Main street. Nobles and their partners are invited to join us for the après parade oasis at Canvas Brewing following the parade. Shuttle provided from Ceremonial Hotels.
2026 Ceremonial Feast and Gala Evening
Huntsville Summit Centre - 5:30pm reception, 6:30pm Dinner
Come and enjoy the traditional Feast and Gala evening at the Summit Center. A delicious roast beef dinner (gluten-free and Vegan/gluten-free options available) will be served and the evening promises to be big on fun, socializing and ceremony. Come welcome our newest Shriners for 2026.
Sunday June 14, 2026
Drumhead Worship Service
Huntsville Cenotaph - 9am
38 West Street, South, Huntsville
2026 Ceremonial Hotels
Important note: You must book rooms through your Club's accommodations chair or your Club President.
