The temple is the nobility or membership body as a whole. The temple itself governs over all the nobles in a large geographic area. This area will often be broken down into smaller geographical areas, called Shrine Clubs. Clubs will often serve remote communities and areas that are farther away from the temple. The nobles of those areas join together as Shriners in these remote areas to keep travel time to a minimum and to enjoy more time together.

Units are groups in a Shrine temple that meet at the temple or in other locations to share an affinity for something. Examples of Shrine Units interests include: bagpipers, brass bands, motorcycle, mini bike, sports car, oriental band, trap shooting, sky diving, singing, old cars, horses, bowling, fishing and many other types of activities.

Breaking the temple into Clubs and Units makes it easy for a noble to find something that interests him; and great relationships are built when a noble gets involved in smaller groups. Bonds that last a lifetime are formed. The greatest friendships are made.