Harmon E. (Red) Johnsen *

Illustrious Sir Harmon E. "Red" Johnsen

Potentate - 1955

In 1955, Illustrious Potentate Harmon E. Johnsen kicked off a membership campaign with, “There is one thing foremost in importance in every organization—in Arabia Temple it is membership.” The Potentate’s Club was organized wherein the sole requisite for membership was the Noble’s name on the top line of a petition. Members of the club would receive a jeweled fez clasp displaying the figures “555” also in jewels. Two hot sands ceremonials, cold sands ceremonials at the stated meetings, and one at the Masonic Hall in Palestine were held this year.

As always, the Crippled Children’s Ball at the Coliseum was a brilliant and successful affair. The Shrine Clubs, sponsoring their own balls and other activities, contributed much to the success of this annual event.

In March, the Temple was grieved to learn of the passing of Past Potentate Willard W. Glaze who died on March 18, 1955.

Potentate Johnsen made visitations to nearly all of the Shrine Clubs and on his official visit to the Palestine Shrine Club, a Cold Sands ceremonial was held for nine candidates. There being no rooms available for nearby Arabia Temple, the Uniformed Units were on hand at the All-State meetings in Galveston at which the Patrol retained the first place trophy. In June, 250 Nobles and ladies made a long weekend trip to New Orleans with the Illustrious Sir and Mrs. Harmon E. Johnsen.

At Chicago in July, the Potentate and representatives attended the Imperial meetings at which Noble Walter C. Guy of Little Rock, Arkansas was elected Imperial Potentate. Miss America 1955 attended the “Circus that Gives More in 1955”. The circus was not only successful for Arabia Temple, but also for the Hermann Park Zoo. Two of the camels that were in the show were given to them. For the first time, a 45-man cast of Arabia’s Nobles performed a Minstrel Show for the benefit of the Crippled Children in November and played at the various Shrine Club areas later. The Potentate, Divan, Nobles, and ladies attended a great Christmas Party on December 14 at Schulenburg as guests of the Colorado Valley Shrine Club.