Robert W. Milner, Jr.*

Illustrious Sir Robert W. Milner, Jr.

Potentate - 1947

Robert J. Milner, Jr. stated that it would be his endeavor to promote good fellowship, happiness and a sound business administration during his term as Potentate in 1947. Imperial Sir George H. Rowe made a visit in January. The Crippled Children’s Ball in February, from a financial standpoint, was the most successful ever held. Activity at the Temple increased with ballroom and square dancing and bingo parties every month. The dining room and kitchen, now being operated by a chef, were both completely renovated and newly equipped. A new Shrine Club was organized in Pasadena in May. The Temple was advised that the architect was drawing the plans for the new Crippled Children’s Clinic to be built in the Medical Center. Construction was scheduled to begin in the spring of 1948.

One of the highlights of Potentate Milner’s year was an 11-day pilgrimage in August to Mexico City. Traveling by plane, train, and car, more than 1,000 Nobles and their ladies were guests of Anezah Temple. A parade featuring Arabia’s Uniformed Units created good will and fellowship with the Nobility south of the border.

The Imperial sessions were held in May at Atlantic City, N. J., where Noble Karl R. Hammers was elected as Imperial Potentate and Noble Galloway Calhoun of Karem Temple in Waco was installed as Deputy Imperial Potentate.

With all the Shrine Clubs now bringing children, the Circus played to packed houses and brought in more money than any previous Shrine circus.

A net increase in membership of 694 put Arabia’s membership over 6,000.

Thirty-two hundred children and parents packed the Auditorium for the annual Crippled Children’s Christmas Party, in December, which brought a most eventful year to a close.