Ansar Shriners | 630 S. 6th St Springfield, IL | 217-525-1771

Ansar Shriners

We hold events and fundraisers so that our hospitals can continue to provide world-class care, regardless of the families ability to pay.

Ansar Shriners

The word Ansar is Arabic and means “those who give aid.” Our official philanthropy is Shriners Hospitals for Children—nearly 200 chapters support 22 locations in three countries. Our closest hospital is Shriners Hospital for Children in St. Louis.

Ansar Shriners

Shriners International is fraternity based on fun, fellowship and the Masonic principles of brotherly love, relief and truth. 

A Rewarding Experience

“Nothing is more rewarding than to have someone stop you in the street and say that they or their child would not be able to walk now, if it weren’t for their care that they received at a Shrine hospital.”

A Mason or Shriner is dedicated to the tradition of brother helping brother. Learn more about how you can join and help others.

Ansar Shrine’s 109th Potentate 

Jason Cutright was elected Ansar’s 109th Potentate during the annual meeting held December 16, 2022.

Jason was born July 12, 1974 in Springfield, Illinois, the second child of Terry and Jane Cutright. Terry is a Life Member of Clinton Lodge #19 and served as Potentate of Ansar Shrine in 1999. Jason’s Grandfather William F. “Bill” Shaw (Jane’s Dad) served as Ansar Shrine Potentate in 1981.

Jason grew up in Petersburg, Illinois and graduated from PORTA High School in 1993. Upon graduation Jason served in the US Navy aboard the USS America CV-66. He came back to Petersburg and started full time in the family business, The Petersburg Observer Co., Inc. where he still works today, alongside his mother Jane.

Jason’s civic and community involvement include: Volunteer coach for local baseball, softball & soccer leagues, former volunteer EMT & first responder, former board member of Petersburg Chamber of Commerce, Life member of Menard County VFW Post 6871, Life member of Greenview Amvets Post #178, Member of Menard County American Legion Post #129.

Jason’s masonic journey began in 1996 in Clinton Lodge #19. He joined the Scottish Rite Valley of Springfield in 1998 and became of a member of Ansar Shriners in the same year. Jason is a Life Member of Clinton Lodge #19. He is a member of New Salem Shrine Club, Logan County Shrine Club, Capitol City Shrine Club, Ansar Wheels, Ansar Clowns, Sons of the Desert, Mounted Cowboys, Belgian Hitch, Ansar Provost Unit, Ansar Legion of Honor, Hillbilly Clan#28 & ROJ Ct. 20.

He has served Ansar as an Aide, Ambassador, Family Picnic Chairman, Editor of the Ansars, Assistant Circus Chairman and Circus Chairman.

He was first appointed to the Divan in 2015 by Illustrious Sir Chuck McEvers and appointed to the advancing line in 2017 by Illustrious Sir Gerry Williams.

Jason and his Lady Angie live in Greenview and have 4 children, Seth, Teagan (Garrett), Maggie (Derek) and Cassidy.

They also have a granddaughter, Natalie.

Sam McEvers, Potentate

Jason Cutright, Potentate

Shriner’s International

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 several countries and thousands of clubs around the world. Our fraternity is open to men of integrity from all walks of life.

Shriners International also supports Shriners Hospitals for Children®, a health system of 22 locations.