E. T. (Gene) Stewart *
Illustrious Sir E. T. (Gene) Stewart
Potentate - 1986
The theme for the 71st Potentate of Arabia Temple was “We’ll Mingle and Mix in ’86”. Illustrious E. T. “Gene” Stewart stated he would do his very best to represent the membership with Pride, Honor and Dignity. On election night, Potentate Stewart was presented a hand made gavel made by Noble Carl O. Sizemore — a very treasured gift. Also on election night, Past Potentate James W. Hughes retired as Temple Recorder, and Past Potentate Arthur B. Stone was elected Recorder.
The first big event of the year was the Inaugural Ball on February 1st, honoring the Potentate and First Lady Bobbie. The Potentate introduced his family and then, from the stage, his two grandsons, Brian French who escorted Cristin McNeal and Brad French. The ballroom was decorated with purple fans, beautiful flowers and a large gazebo, with thanks to the Staff and Wrecking Crew.
The Texas Shrine Association Divan Mid-Winter session was in Tyler, Texas, February 6th through the 8th.
On February 8th, as the Potentate returned, he stopped in Conroe, Texas to participate in the “Go Texas Parade”. The units were out in great force with some 450 nobles and their ladies in attendance.
On February 14th, Valentine Day, the Potentate had his first, “Gene-O Game”, with others being May 21st, July 11th, and November 19th. February 17th was the first Stated Meeting of the temple, presided over by Illustrious Sir Stewart. There was a very good attendance. February 22nd was the first “Hot Sands” of the year.
Arabia Temple was saddened by the loss of 1974 Potentate, Carlos T. Knight, on March 3rd.
The first Nobility Dance was held on March 15th. The month of March was the time all units went to their mid-winter sessions. On March 22nd, the Grand Master’s Conference was held in the ballroom of Arabia Temple, with an overflowing number of Masons there to greet the Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in Texas, M. W. Perry M. Parker. The first temple social was held on February 21st, where games were played and all had a great time.
The 1986 Clown Jewels “Circus Supreme” kickoff dance was held April 5th in the ballroom. The circus began on April 6th, continuing through the 20th.
Our Blood Drives were on March 8th, May 10th, July 12th, September 6th, November 8th and January 10th.
There were several Hospital Benefit Dances sponsored by our units and Shrine Clubs to raise money for our Temple Hospital Benefit. On September 12th, our Temple Hospital Benefit Show and Dinner were held in our ballroom. The show, featuring Noble Foster Brooks, was a great success as some $8,000 was received for our hospitals.
On June 5th through 8th, Arabia Temple had the honor of hosting the “Texas Shrine Association” All-State here in Houston. This was one of the many great highlights of the year. Arabia Temple members did themselves proud for the success we received. Past Potentate Arthur B. Stone was Director General of this T.S.A. session, with Past Potentates Tom W. Johnson and Vernon C. Oswald, and Noble George Rosato as the Deputy Director Generals. Our units won several cups and awards.
The ladies of the units and clubs honored First Lady Bobbie Stewart with a luncheon on Saturday, September 27th, at “Brady’s Landing”.
Illustrious Sir Stewart and Lady Bobbie planned two vacation trips during this year. The first was to the Orient on April 30th through May 15th. This trip was shared with Alzafar Temple of San Antonio. Sixty-two people shared this trip, and a great time was had by all. The second trip was a Texas Shrine Association Cruise with ten Texas Temples participating on this trip from November 8th through the 18th.
Units on Parade was May 25th. The Family Nights were June 13th, September 26th and December 20th, with some great entertainment for each of these nights. The Family Picnic was July 13th at the Double Eagle Ranch, with good attendance and perfect weather.
The Imperial Council was held in Los Angeles, California, and what a great time we had there. Our units were super great. Including T.S.A. and the Imperial Sessions, we won 28 trophies. Thanks to the units and Shrine Clubs that worked so hard to make this happen.
The Jack Benny Dance was August 9th and was to honor Illustrious Potentate Stewart and Lady Bobbie on their 39th Wedding Anniversary. It was a great dance and evening.
The temple was saddened when Temple Treasurer Harry L. Owens, Jr. passed away on November 22nd. Masonry and the Shrine lost a very special friend, and he will be very deeply missed by this Potentate and Harry’s many friends.
The first Arabia Squares’ High Hope Dance was held in the temple ballroom October 25th. Our units, Shrine Clubs and temple associations had 19 dances in the ballroom during this year. Everyone worked hard and all had a wonderful time.
The Potentate made his official visits to all of the Shrine Clubs, thanked each club for their great support on all of our temple activities.
Potentate Stewart had the pleasure of starting two new “Clubs” in our temple, namely the “Pipes and Drums” and the “Flying Fez”. Both started with much enthusiasm.
As the 1986 “Texas Sesquicentennial Year” ended, Potentate Stewart and his Lady Bobbie said, “We did Mingle and Mix in ’86”, and Thanks for all the Memories.”
