Robert W. Waltrip *

Illustrious Sir Robert W. Waltrip

Potentate - 1948

“For many years good Nobles of Arabia have been building a Temple. I ask all Nobles to join me in guarding this our greatest treasure”. With this admonition, Noble Robert E. Waltrip began his year as Potentate of Arabia Temple.

Imperial Potentate Karl R. Hammers of Syria Temple Pittsburgh was royally received on his official visit in February. The Imperial Sir, an executive of the H. J. Heinz Co., was greeted with a replica of an “Old West Country Store” displaying all 57 varieties which was constructed by the Wrecking Crew.

The Crippled Children’s Ball in February, again with tremendous support from all the Shrine Clubs, was an outstanding success.

The Temple was saddened this year by the death of Past Potentates T. K. Flack and Joe E. Hudson.

Probably the highlight of the year was the trip to the Imperial meetings again held at Atlantic City. Travelling via Niagra Falls, two special trains took Potentate Waltrip, the representatives, the Uniformed Units, and many Nobles and ladies to the famous boardwalk resort. Texas’ own Noble Galloway Calhoun of Karem Temple was elected Imperial Potentate. All-State this year was held at San Antonio.

Bayshore-La Porte Shrine Club was organized and a new group known as the Chuck Wagon Gang, was organized to serve meals at the slated meetings.

Featuring strobe light fluorescent, a new concentrated lighting effect, the 1948 circus was the most colorful ever staged and was a grand success.

Two successful ceremonials resulted in a substantial increase in membership, and the Temple approached a total of 7,000 members.

This prosperous year ended with the Christmas Party at the Auditorium which, according to the hundreds of children present, was a complete success.