Arthur R. Beyer *

Illustrious Sir Arthur R. Beyer

Potentate - 1961

Illustrious Potentate Arthur R. Beyer predicted an interesting and successful year for Arabia Temple in 1961. With the approval of the elective Divan, a five-year membership program, The First Liners Club, was announced. Any member of Arabia Temple signing on the first line of an applicant’s petition during the first year would automatically become a Charter member. As he signed additional first lines, credits would accumulate and awards made. This program was destined to remain in effect until 1977.

Arabia Temple mourned the death of Past Potentate Ike S. Ashburn, Potentate in the year 1933, who passed away in Austin on February 1st.

A remarkably successful Crippled Children’s Pageant was held in April. An equally fine Spring Ceremonial produced 105 first line signers and 105 new Nobles. At the All-State in Galveston, Potentate Beyer declared Arabia “The Temple of Champions.” First place trophies were won by the Patrol, Drum and Bugle Corps, and the Wrecking Crew Directors with the Arabian Knights getting second place. Never before had Arabia won three first place trophies at All-State.

In June, at the Imperial sessions in Miami, Florida, Noble Marshall M. Porter of Al Azhar Temple in Calgary, Ontario, Canada was elected Imperial Potentate. Making the trip to Miami were the Potentate, Divan, representatives and a group of Nobles and ladies. The Potentate reported that the Bowlers, having completed their 8th Annual Crippled Children’s Labor Day Tournament, had contributed more than $25,000 to the Clinic and that they, too, were champions all.

With a wide variety of 27 big acts, the 1961 Circus was tremendously successful. A Cold Sands Ceremonial in September, and the Fall Ceremonial on December 2nd produced more than 100 new members. There were now 226 charter members of the First Liners Club.

Again, with the enthusiastic support from all the units and the cooperation of the Shrine Clubs, it was a good year for Potentate Beyer that closed with the traditional party for the Crippled Children at the Clinic and the New Year’s Eve Ball at the Mosque.