Miles Strickland *

Illustrious Sir Miles Strickland

Potentate - 1965

The Golden Anniversary of Arabia Temple was ushered in by the Inaugural Ball in the Rice Hotel Grand Ballroom on January 23rd. Illustrious Potentate Miles Strickland cut a three-tier 50th Anniversary cake.

In February, a new unit, the Golfers, was organized, becoming the eleventh unit of Arabia Temple. Visitations included trips to Brenham for pancakes and Baytown for oysters.

At the All-State meetings in San Antonio, Arabia Temple was again declared “Temple of Champions.”

Competition results included:

• Patrol – First Place

• Drum & Bugle Corps, Motor Corps, Clown Jewels – Second Place

• Band and Arabian Knights – Third Place

At the Imperial sessions in Washington, D.C., Noble Barney W. Collins of Anezeh Temple in Mexico City was elected Imperial Potentate.

The Golden Anniversary Jamboree was held at Atascocita Country Club at Lake Houston in August with more than 3,000 Nobles, ladies, and children attending.

In October, Nobles attended the Texas A&M vs Baylor football game at College Station.

The Shrine Circus again set records, featuring Pat Anthony’s animal act and Blinko the Clown.

Ninety novices were initiated at the Spring Ceremonial on May 22nd, and the Golden Anniversary Ceremonial on December 18th produced 94 new Nobles.

The Temple’s traditional holiday events brought to a close a memorable 50th Anniversary year.