Potentate's Message

Mensaje del Potentado en Español
Mensagem do Potentado em Português

Nobles and Ladies,

Greetings from a hot-hot-summer, in the city. What a busy time your Pote has had the past three months. I will try to recap all the events but I might forget some, so don’t get mad at me. I should have taken notes!

We had the Grand High Priestess of the Ladies Oriental Shrine of North America visit our Temple in June. Our Ladies Oriental Shrine Court had a dinner for her and it was well attended, gifts were exchanged and protocol followed. It was a very special day for our High Priestess, Barbara Bodie. We also had our Ceremonial where we initiated 4 new Nobles and it was followed by the 50 Year Members and Past Potentate's lunch.

Our Yacht Club had their Shakedown Cruise and dinner and nobody fell in the water, can you believe that. Then it was off to the Imperial Session in Toronto, Canada. The Divan did a great job on the Convention floor and in the Special Meetings. Though the outcome was not what we wanted, we will continue to strive for the goals the Board has set. The dinner cruise was enjoyed by all and we shared the ship with our friends and counterparts from Salam Temple. Food and drink, dancing and a boat tour, a grand time was had by all. Toronto was very hot and Lady Maggie Rodriguez got stuck in an elevator for an hour and almost missed the boat because the power went out in the city, what fun that was!

Upon returning from Imperial, your Divan and Ambassadors were off to Santa Cruz, Bolivia for an initiation of 17 new Nobles to the Almas Uruguayan Shrine Club. It was held in the Grand Lodge building and what a fine job they did putting on the Open Ceremonial. The room was filled with Almas Fezzes, what a grand site.

Then we were off to see our burn patients that were treated at our Galveston Hospital. I can't tell you the moving experience when we pulled up to their houses with our delegation. They are on the mend and it was because of our dedicated Shriners in Bolivia that this miracle happened. Both children were injured from explosions at different times and locations, but treated at Galveston at the same time.

OK, back to the USA and the Almas Golf Tournament chaired by Past Potentate Tony Murray at Cross Creek Country Club on August 4th. It was a hot, trying day, the golfers were ready and we were off to play. Boy, I don't do that sport well; I think I need lessons — "Lots" of them!! Our fellows at the Scottish Rite took the honors, so we will practice more for next year, but it was an excellent event and a good turn out.

On Saturday, August 7th we had our Hospital Screening Clinic and saw numerous patients for the hospital system, Our Temple Physician, Dr. Z Chris, was there to evaluate the patients and prepare the proper forms. Thanks to the Latin Club, Peruvian Shrine Club and Past Potentate Tony Murray for putting it all together.

Now back on the plane to Montevideo, Uruguay to initiate 21 new Nobles. After a great surprise by one of our new Nobles, the First Lady and I were upgraded to 1st Class. It was a treat to play with all the buttons and watch movies on our 9 hour flight. I don’t think we slept at all on that flight. Upon our arrival in Uruguay we were escorted to two hospital systems, we saw work that is being done by our Uruguayan Shriners at these two facilities. What a great mission they are on.

With very little sleep, we were back on the plane and went on our way back to the USA. Wow, what a summer!! If anyone wants to know more in reference to our patients and the hospitals in South America, please let me know and I will be glad to bring you up to date.

Let's not forget we are packing up to go to MASA in Virginia Beach to parade and have a good time. Hopefully no rain or hurricanes! Also September 25th at Don and Becky Holliday's the Greeters will have their picnic. Call the Chief Rabban, Alan Gordon with your reservations.

As always the First Lady and I appreciate the support of our outstanding Nobles and Ladies during the year. Thank you to the Temple Staff for a smooth operation of our Temple and its facility.