Robert P. (Bob) Hunt *

Illustrious Sir Robert P. "Bob" Hunt Potentate - 1997

The Inaugural Ball was held on Saturday, February 1, introducing Arabia Temple’s 82nd Potentate Robert P. “Bob” Hunt and First Lady Jill. His theme was “Soar into the Masonic Heaven in ‘97”.

The priorities were Membership, Hospital Benefit, the Arabia Circus, and maintaining financial stability. The membership stood at 6,639.

The Divan Mid-Winter was held in Corpus Christi, Texas, on February 7 and 8. Arabia Temple was represented by seventeen (17) nobles and their ladies.

March found the units going to mid-winters throughout the State of Texas. All the units that attended mid-winter had a Divan member and his lady as representative.

Jack Glasscock, the 1997 General Circus Chairman, had a very successful circus, which ran from April 9 through April 13.

Several parades were attended by the Divan and Arabia Temple’s Units and Clubs.

T.S.A. was held in Fort Worth, Texas, where Arabia Temple had 175 nobles and their ladies in attendance. Arabia won three first place, two second place, and three third place trophies. First place trophies were taken by the Legion of Honor, Patrol, and the Provost Guard. The two second place trophies were won by the Arabian Knights, while the third place trophies were won by the Band, Golfers, and Legion of Honor.

A Victory Dance was held at the Temple Grand Ballroom for all the nobles and ladies to celebrate their units’ victories.

The 1997 Imperial Session was held in St. Louis, Missouri, from June 29 to July 3rd. The Patrol won first place in competition, making them ‘97 National Champions. Dr. Bernard J. Lemieux won the election for Imperial Outer Guard, and Lewis Brantley was elevated to Imperial Potentate for the year 1997-1998.

Illustrious Sr. Robert P. “Bob” Hunt and Lady Jill, along with 28 others from Arabia Temple went on the Potentate’s trip to Alaska. Fun was had by all.

A Shrine Club Association was formed and their first meeting was on Saturday, September 27, 1997. A dance was held after the meeting in the ballroom.

The Potentate and his Divan and guests attended fourteen (14) official visits to the Shrine Clubs this year.

A New Year’s Eve Ball was held in the Arabia Temple Grand Ballroom, with Manny Green’s Band playing. A breakfast with black-eyed peas was enjoyed by all after the dance.

The Arabia membership had great camaraderie throughout the year. Success is not a gift, it must be earned.