A Little History Lesson

The Hillbillies were started in the late 1960s at El Hasa Temple in Ashland, Kentucky, by Noble Jim Harris. Harris decided there needed to be a sideline degree that devoted its time and resources to the Shrine Hospitals. He received permission from his Potentate to start The Grand and Glorious Order of the Hillbilly Degree. Calling on his experiences as a real hillbilly, he then wrote a ritual . Today, it is the largest group within the Shrine, with more than 175 Temples having charters.

Some turn up their nose at our group and say that we are abasing a group of people. Nay, not so! We are only celebrating a way of life that those who live it celebrate every day. This is evidenced by the fact that the second largest event in the state of Kentucky is the annual Hillbilly Days in Pikeville, which was started by two Shriners.

To join - email Keeper of the Quill, Scott Stewart at: nsstewart726@gmail.com

Remember, one fee to join for you and one fee to join for your Lady and you and your Lady are a lifetime members as long as you are in good standing with the Shrine. This is a group you can get the whole family involved in.