Charles Easterling *
Illustrious Sir Charles Easterling
Potentate - 1971
“The momentum of Arabia Temple must continue and I have adopted the slogan, ‘We Will, Together, Get Things Done in ’71,’” so advised Illustrious Sir Charles A. Easterling in his first message to the Nobility. With presentation of the Divan in both ballrooms of the Rice Hotel, the February 6th Inaugural Ball was an outstanding event to begin the year.
On February 8th, the Temple was shocked to learn of the sudden death of the beloved Assistant Rabban Ray M. Hay.
Imperial Potentate and Mrs. Aubrey G. Graham were guests of Arabia Temple for his official visit. The Imperial Sir also visited with the children in the Houston Unit of Shriners Hospitals. Work was well underway on the first phase of the new Mosque complex and the Nobility was invited to visit the site.
Another record was established when 844 members attended the March meeting at the Scottish Rite Temple. Noble J. W. Chandler was elected Oriental Guide and the other officers were advanced to fill the unexpired term of the late Noble Ray M. Hay.
On March 14th, 300 uniformed unit Nobles paraded in Victoria for the Potentate’s official visit. Tours to the Orient in July and to Hawaii in December were announced.
A new Shrine Club at Lake Houston was organized on May 7th. The Spring Ceremonial at the Scottish Rite Temple and a ceremonial held in Lufkin had good classes.
The Crippled Children’s Benefit featured the new 1971 production of “Disney on Parade” at the Coliseum, playing to large crowds.
All the Shrine Clubs were involved in benefit programs including horse shows, dances, pageants, and oyster suppers for the crippled children.
In June, 750 Arabia Nobles and ladies attended the All-State in Fort Worth. Arabia Temple Patrol won first place in competition and the parade. Texas’ own C. Victor Thornton of Moslah Temple in Fort Worth was elected Imperial Potentate.
Arabia Temple assisted in sponsoring the State Conclave of DeMolay at the Rice Hotel.
The Temple was saddened by the death of Past Potentate A. J. Dow (Potentate 1920) on August 12th.
On August 29th, the first phase of the new Temple complex was dedicated and the September stated meeting was the first held in the new building.
Official visitations were made to Shrine Clubs in Wharton County and Bay City. The Uniformed Units participated in the Rice Festival Parade, and Nobles and ladies attended the Crippled Children’s Hospital benefit football games of the Fort Bend County and Brazos Valley Shrine Clubs.
The 35th Annual Shrine Circus was an outstanding success. On December 4th, 429 candidates participated in a historic Masonic event called “The Rest of the Way in One Day/Either Way.” This allowed a Blue Lodge Mason to become a 32° Mason and a Shriner in one day.
115 novices became members of Arabia Temple that day.
Santa Claus arrived at the Crippled Children’s Hospital Christmas Party. The year closed with the first New Year’s Eve Ball in the new Temple building, and Potentate Easterling exceeded his goal of 450 new members in 1971.
