Earl T. McMillian *

Illustrious Sir Earl T. McMillian

Potentate - 1944

Allied forces were on the offensive and “D Day” was only six months away when Noble Earl T. McMillian assumed office as Illustrious Potentate in January 1944. Over 300 Arabia Temple Nobles were in the armed forces. During his official visit, Imperial Potentate Morley E. MacKenzie reported that Shrinedom had invested $400 million in War Bonds.

Despite the urgency of the times and a further reduction in gas rationing, Arabia Temple moved forward. Over 500 new members were initiated in 1944, the highest in many years. A brilliant Crippled Children’s Ball, featuring local dancing-school performers and the all-girl drill teams from various city high schools, was followed by music for dancing. St. Patrick’s Day was celebrated with a dance at the Mosque. The awarding of Stetson hats to lucky ticket holders increased attendance at the stated meetings. New Shrine Clubs were organized in 1944 at Bay City and Lufkin.

Potentate McMillian established the Reserve Fund in Arabia Temple to ensure that adequate funds be on hand for future emergencies.

Since trains were engaged in troop movements, the Imperial meetings scheduled for Toronto were moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Arabia’s representatives and the Potentate attended the meetings at which Alfred G. Arvold of El Zagal Temple was elected Imperial Potentate.

Another record-breaking Arabia Shrine Circus was held featuring Miss Victory Zachinni, “the only woman in the world to be shot from the mouth of a roaring cannon”, and the two greatest slack wire performers, Don Francisco and Bob Atterbury.

Again, the annual Christmas Party at the Temple for the crippled children, attended by the Nobles and their families, was a huge success.