Paul A. Nelson *

Illustrious Sir Paul A. Nelson

Potentate - 1964

Noble Paul A. Nelson became the 50th Potentate of Arabia Temple in 1964. The year opened with presentations of the Divan, Staff, and their ladies in the Crystal and Grand Ballrooms of the Rice Hotel on January 25th. Over 500 Nobles and ladies attended these ceremonies.

At the January Stated Meeting, beloved Noble E. Brown Yeary was elected Recorder Emeritus after 37 years of service. Past Potentate Harry B. Jewett, Sr. presented Noble Yeary with his Emeritus fez. Noble Glen M. Severs, previously Assistant Recorder, was elected Recorder.

Imperial Sir Harold C. Close was the guest of honor at the Crippled Children’s Pageant and received a Key to the City from Mayor Louie Welch. With more than 2,500 Houston youths participating, the Pageant continued to draw large crowds.

All Uniformed Units accompanied the Divan and Staff to Fort Worth for the All-State meetings. The Drum & Bugle Corps retained first place and the Wrecking Crew won second place.

Eighty-five Nobles crossed the hot sands at the Spring Ceremonial on June 13th. The First Liners Club continued to be a major factor in recruiting new members, with gold medallions with diamonds awarded to members who signed the first line of 20 petitions.

Potentate Nelson participated in the groundbreaking ceremonies for the Shriners Burns Institute in Galveston on June 23rd.

About 300 Nobles and ladies made the “Once In A Lifetime Trip” by plane to New York City in July for the Imperial meetings and the World’s Fair. Imperial Sir O. Carlyle Brock of Zem Zem Temple in Erie, Pennsylvania was elected Imperial Potentate and C. Victor Thornton of Moslah Temple in Fort Worth was elected Imperial Outer Guard.