Carl T. Denson, Jr. *
Illustrious Sir Carl T. Denson, Jr.
Potentate - 1963
Noble Carl T. Denson, Sr., a proud father, placed the Potentate’s fez on Illustrious Potentate Carl T. Denson, Jr., and the Treasurer’s fez on another son, Gilbert Denson, following the election of the Illustrious Sir for 1963.
A good program for the Nobility was announced including Nobility dances and Carlo (bingo) parties. The 45th Annual Crippled Children’s Benefit, in March, was again another highlight of the year. Imperial Potentate and Mrs. George M. Klepper attended the Pageant where the Imperial Sir received the “Key to the City” and was made an honorary citizen of Harris County and the State of Texas.
In April, a new unit, the Clown Jewels, was organized. Arabia Temple now had ten Uniformed Units.
Houston was again the city and Arabia Temple was again the host for the Texas All-State meetings in June. In competition:
Band and Drum & Bugle Corps – First Place
Arabian Knights, Clown Jewels, and Golfers – Second Place
Motor Corps and Patrol – Third Place
Governor John Connally was present to present the awards. Approximately 100 new Novices crossed the hot sands at the Ceremonial.
Chicago hosted the Imperial in 1963. Potentate Denson, representatives, Arabia’s Championship Band, and a fine group of Nobles and ladies attended. Arabia’s delegation and band participated in both parades. Noble Harold S. Close of Sphinx Temple in Hartford, Connecticut was elected Imperial Potentate.
Visitations were made throughout the summer to out-of-town Shrine Clubs. Units paraded in the Schulenburg parade in September and the Bay City parade in October.
Featuring a ferocious black panther, Norbu, the almost human gorilla, and Capt. Keller’s jungle killers, Arabia Temple had another very successful Shrine Circus.
The December Ceremonial was named the “Albert J. DeLange Ceremonial” in memory of Noble DeLange, a Past Grand Master of Masons in Texas.
The year closed with a net gain of 76 members, bringing total membership to 8,618.
The Potentate, Santa Claus, and ladies held a party for the children at the Clinic. The Mosque hosted the closing New Year’s Ball.
