Ben LaBlanc
Illustrious Sir Ben LaBlanc
Potentate - 2025
The Year of 2025: A Defining Chapter in the Modern Era of Arabia Shriners
The Potentateship of Illustrious Sir Ben LaBlanc, 110th Potentate of Arabia Shriners The year 2025, under the leadership of Illustrious Sir Ben LaBlanc, 110th Potentate of Arabia Shriners, represents a notable point of transition in the modern history of the Temple; a period in which long-standing traditions were not only preserved, but intentionally restored, and in which new pathways were established to ensure continued relevance and strength. While Arabia Shriners has long been defined by its commitment to fellowship, philanthropy, and service, 2025 distinguished itself through a renewed emphasis on purposeful execution, elevated expectations, and broad-based engagement across the Temple.
A Year Guided by Intentional Direction:
The guiding principle for the year:
“Embrace the Past, Evolve in the Present, and Excel in the Future”, served as more than a theme; it functioned as a consistent framework for decision-making and prioritization. Across the Temple, there was a noticeable shift toward intentional participation rather than passive involvement, with increased emphasis placed on showing up, contributing, and representing Arabia with a high standard of professionalism and pride. This shift was evident not only in major events, but in the day-to-day engagement of Units, Clubs, and individual Nobles.
Restoring What Defines the Shrine:
Among the most significant developments of 2025 was the return of a full ceremonial session, the first in more than a decade. With 26 new Nobles initiated, this milestone represented the deliberate restoration of one of the Shrine’s most meaningful traditions. The ceremonial was not treated as a singular event, but as part of a broader effort to reestablish the importance of the Shrine experience itself, reinforcing that membership is not only gained, but experienced. A similar pattern emerged in unit participation and competitive involvement. At the Texas Shrine Association, five Arabia units competed, including the return of the Hot Rods after a seven-year hiatus. The Oriental Band’s placement of 21 Nobles on the competition floor, the largest in decades, reflected not only renewed interest, but a culture that encouraged participation at scale. This momentum extended to the Shriners International Imperial Session in Atlanta, where Arabia units returned to national-level competition after many years of absence. Their results were among the most notable in recent history:
• The Oriental Band achieved:
o 1st Place – Unlimited Band
o 1st Place – Parade Performance
o Recognition of Noble David Prentice as Director of the Year
• The Hot Rods earned:
o 2nd Place – Class 8 Drill
• The Alchemists secured multiple:
o People’s Choice Award
o 1st Place Irish Red
o 1st Place American Stout
o 3rd Place Pilsner
o 3rd Place Peach Whit Bier
Collectively, these outcomes reflected more than competitive success: they demonstrated what can occur when clear expectations are paired with active encouragement and visible support from leadership.
Expanding the Definition of Impact:
The year also reflected a broader evolution in how Arabia approaches its charitable mission. The First Lady’s Project, led by First Lady Alyssa LaBlanc, set a new Temple record by raising $85,167.00, funding two critical pieces of rehabilitation equipment for Shriners Children’s Texas. The scale of this effort reflected both strong leadership and a Temple-wide willingness to engage when presented with a clear and meaningful objective. At the same time, the initiation and advancement of Leah’s Project introduced a different dimension of impact. Focused on the prevention of scald burns in residential homes, the initiative emphasized education, awareness, and systemic change. Its development and introduction during the year reflected a growing recognition that Arabia’s role can extend beyond fundraising into thought leadership and preventative influence, aligning with the mission of Shriners Children’s in a more proactive and forward-looking manner.
Strengthening Visibility and Standards of Representation:
Throughout 2025, Arabia Shriners maintained a strong and deliberate presence within the community, accompanied by a noticeable emphasis on how the Temple presents itself publicly. A prominent example was Shriners Night at the Ballpark, where the Legion of Honor Color Guard, composed of 12 Nobles, presented the colors at a Houston Astros game. The precision and professionalism displayed in that moment reflected a broader expectation that Arabia’s public appearances should consistently represent the dignity and heritage of the Shrine. Participation in major regional parades, including the Houston Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Conroe Go-Texan Parade and the Tomball Holiday Parade, continued to reinforce Arabia’s visibility. Across these events, there was a clear effort to ensure that participation was not only consistent, but intentional, coordinated, and reflective of pride in representation.
Engagement Through Experience:
Membership engagement during 2025 was characterized by a shift toward creating experiences rather than simply hosting events. The Easter Egg Hunt and Crawfish Boil, which brought together representatives from more than 20 Houston-area lodges, illustrated a more deliberate approach to outreach: one focused on welcoming families, creating memorable interactions, and providing a clear picture of what involvement in Arabia can offer. Similarly, the Potentate’s Ball, attended by more than 350 Nobles, Ladies, and guests, set a tone of quality and energy that carried throughout the year. Events were approached not simply as obligations, but as opportunities to reinforce culture, pride, and connection.
Investing in Foundation and Continuity:
Internally, the year reflected a focus on strengthening the long-term foundation of the Temple. The creation of the Arabia Shrine Museum ensured that the Temple’s history is now preserved and prominently displayed, reinforcing the importance of legacy while educating future generations. The establishment of a partnership with Holland Lodge #1 introduced a model of intentional collaboration, strengthening fraternal relationships while improving the sustainability and utilization of Temple resources. Within the Temple, units such as the Motor Corps experienced renewed growth, adding new members and establishing consistent monthly activities. This resurgence reflected the broader cultural shift toward active participation and shared ownership of the Temple’s success.
Moments of Recognition and Unity:
The year also maintained a strong connection to the enduring values of the Shrine. The recognition of Noble Jim Bush (65 years of service) and Noble Sid Tiras (75 years of service) served as reminders of the lifelong commitment that defines Arabia’s membership. The 110th Anniversary Celebration brought together the Nobility in a shared moment of reflection and fellowship, further strengthened by the presence of Prince Hall Shrine representatives from Doric Temple and Nafud Temple, highlighting a continued spirit of unity and mutual respect.
Reinforcing Purpose: “Remembering Your Why”
