Usually so called, but more formally named the Royal Order of Jesters, an organization evolved out of the good fellowship of members of the Mystic Shrine during a voyage to Honolulu, February 15 to March 7, 1911. An offhand ceremony grew into a ritual, and to local Courts and a National Body, very much of its success due to the initiative of William S. Brown, many years the Treasurer of the Mystic Shrine; Lou B. Winsor, Past Imperial Potentate and Grand Secretary of Michigan, and others of their genial kind who organized and led the Body whose local units were limited to thirteen initiates yearly. Initiation, by invitation, and unanimous ballot, limited to members in good standing of the Mystic Shrine. The slogan, “Mirth is lying,” expounded by Jester Brown, and the poem by Edmund Rowland Sill, “The Fool’s Prayer,” recited by Jester Winsor, have furnished inspiration. Officers, thirteen, bear the titles: Director, Tragedian, b Property Man, Impresario, Treasurer, Soubrette, Light Comedian, Serio Comic, Heavy Man, Leading Lady, Judge, High Constable, Stage Manager; the national officers’ titles are the same but preceded by the word Royal.
– Source: Mackey’s Encyclopedia of Freemasonry
Royal Order of Jesters
The Royal Order of Jesters is an invitation only branch of the Shriners. Although there is a requirement of Shrine and Masonic affiliation, the group has been accused of less than Masonic practices. Some times Mirth doesn’t always match Masonic philosophy, as this figurine at the top of this page clearly seems to indicate.
– Source: MasonicDictionary.com