C. Howard Phifer *

Illustrious Sir C. Howard Phifer

Potentate - 1958

Three Inaugural Balls ushered in Illustrious Potentate C. Howard Phifer’s year in 1958. With capacity crowds at the Shamrock Hotel, the Houston Club, and the Rice Hotel, the Divan and ladies were presented on schedule at all three locations. “Together we will grow in ’58”, was the motto expressed by Potentate Phifer. ST was the license plate series this year, and all agreed that it meant Shrine Temple. At the Coliseum in March, 13,000 area youngsters participated in the 40th Annual Crippled Children’s Pageant, and for the 40th year, the show was a success - our Crippled Children continued to be well cared for.

Further improvements were made in the Mosque; several areas were redecorated. Sports Night programs went into effect on Friday nights. The Spring Ceremonial was designated as the “Robert E. Waltrip Memorial Ceremony” in memory of the late 1948 Potentate. At the City Auditorium on May 3rd, 251 Novices crossed the hot sands, the largest class in ten years.

Over 500 Nobles and ladies attended the All-State at San Antonio. The Drum and Bugle Corps captured second place in their competition. Noble George E. Stringfellow of Crescent Temple in Trenton, N. J. was elected Imperial Potentate at the Imperial meetings in July at Chicago.

A Cold Sands Ceremonial in September, the Fall Ceremonial in October, and another Cold Sands Ceremonial on Masonic Day, December 13, all contributed to a very successful year for membership.

Grand Master of Masons in Texas, Noble Randall E. Briscoe of Arabia Temple, was the guest of honor on Masonic Day. The 1958 Circus featured Rin Tin Tin and outstanding acrobats. And, for the first time, each circus performance was opened with prayer by pastors of Houston churches.

The progressive year closed with the Christmas Party for the Crippled Children at the Clinic and a festive New Year’s Party at the Mosque.