Judge Clem McClelland

Illustrious Sir Judge Clem McClelland

Potentate - 1959

Judge Clem McClelland became Arabia Temple’s Illustrious Potentate in January, 1959. On January 24th, the Potentate and Divan with their ladies were presented at the River Oaks Country Club, the Houston Club, and the Rice Hotel — another three tier Inaugural Ball.

A Father-Son Night was held at the Mosque in March and featured Golden Glove Boxers. Later in the month, the annual Crippled Children’s Pageant was held at the Coliseum. Potentate McClelland instituted Quota System for the Units whereby cash awards and trophies would be awarded for their efforts on membership, circus activities, and attendance at Temple functions.

The theme of this year’s Pageant was “The Youth of Houston Salutes Arabia Temple Crippled Children’s Clinic.” With all Units getting credit under the new quota system, this year’s show was a complete success.

In April, Arabia Temple sponsored an eight-day cruise to Jamaica aboard the Cruise Ship Italia. In May, the once popular Minstrel Show was revived and opened at the Music Hall on May 2nd. The cast, all Arabia Nobles, played throughout the year in Houston and in many Shrine Club areas all for the benefit of the Crippled Children. Clemo parties continued to be popular at the Temple.

The Nobility was advised in February that the initiation fee would be increased at the March Stated Meeting from $125 to $150. Nobles were advised to sign up new candidates for the May 2nd Ceremonial before the March 16th deadline at the reduced rate.

Both the Spring and Fall Ceremonials were successful in 1959. This year’s Shrine Circus, featuring 21 terrific new acts (including Bobo Barnett and his car, Antonucci Chimps, and the Claire Powell Debutantes, an all girl acrobatic act performing in two rings) played to large crowds and was well received.