R. L. (Tex) Callender *
Illustrious Sir R. L. "Tex" Callender
Potentate - 1969
The ever popular R. L. “Tex” Callender stated that his administration would continue to help Arabia Temple move forward and continue to build.
His theme was “Everything’s Fine in ’69.”
A well-attended Inaugural Ball at the Rice Hotel Grand Ballroom on February 1st got the year off to a strong start.
The Building Committee met regularly to discuss plans and refinements for the new Mosque.
For the benefit of the Crippled Children, a preseason baseball game at the Astrodome (Los Angeles Dodgers vs Houston Astros) was held on April 1st. The game, sponsored by Arabia and El Mina Temples, drew a large crowd of fans and the Uniformed Units performed before the game.
The Temple was grieved to learn of the passing of Past Potentate Melvin E. Kurth on May 10th. The late Illustrious Sir had served as Potentate in 1932.
Temple activity prevailed at the Mosque with Texo parties, unit dances, and dance instruction classes.
The Divan met with Mayor Louie Welch at City Hall to discuss plans for the Texas Shrine Association meetings to be held that year in Houston.
Following a suggestion by the Imperial Council, a Past Master Club was organized in Arabia Temple.
Overseas tours were gaining popularity and Arabia Temple sponsored trips to:
South America – March
Scandinavia – August
Mediterranean – December
Arabia Temple hosted the Texas Shrine Association (T.S.A.) in June. Hundreds of Shriners from across Texas attended meetings, competitions, parades, banquets, and dances.
At the ceremonial, 159 new novices were initiated.
The Band, Drum & Bugle Corps, and Oriental Band won trophies in competitions.
In July, 150 unit members and ladies accompanied the Potentate and Divan to Seattle for the Imperial Council meetings.
J. Worth Baker was elected Imperial Potentate.
Both the Patrol and Drum & Bugle Corps won second place trophies in national competition.
Several tours were conducted, including a trip to Vancouver, Canada.
For the first time, circus advertising receipts exceeded $100,000, making the 1969 Shrine Circus a tremendous success.
The Fall Ceremonial in November attracted 142 new members for Arabia Temple.
However, tragedy struck late in the year. After a successful year, Potentate “Tex” Callender and several friends took a hunting trip. On their return, December 8th, their plane crashed and Arabia’s beloved Callender lost his life. All Temple activity was cancelled for a week in respect for one of Arabia’s most popular Potentates.
