W. C. (Bill) Broussard *
Illustrious Sir W. C. (Bill) Broussard
Potentate - 1987
The year “It’s going to be Heaven in ’87” began in great fashion with the beautiful Inaugural Ball, honoring our 72nd Potentate.
On election night, Robert “Bob” Gravette was elected the new Oriental Guide and all the living Past Potentates, except one, were in attendance. The Divan Mid-Winter was held at San Angelo in February with Arabia hosting the Texas Motor Corps Association in March.
The Clown Jewel Circus Dance was a fun affair on April 4th, with the Arabia Circus beginning on April 9th and ending on April 19th. First Lady’s Luncheon honored Lady Anna Broussard at the Junior League on May 23rd.
The Nobles and their ladies had their fun times at the Texas Shrine Association Meeting held in Austin, where the units filled the Sheraton Hotel and all of its facilities for four days. The units all did an outstanding job in their competitions. This All-State Meeting was from June 4th to June 7th. Then on June 23rd, it started all over again with the Imperial Session held in Las Vegas, ending on June 28th. Arabia occupied 300 rooms, plus the Presidential Suite, at the Holiday Inn Casino. A great time was experienced by all who attended and again some trophies were won.
During this year the various ceremonials produced 462 new nobles – quite an achievement. The exterior of the mosque building was painted to match the construction of the Scottish Rite section, with canopies installed at the rear entrances. Also, extensive refinishing of the interior of the mosque building was accomplished.
Potentate Broussard used his expert knowledge of decorating and worked with the Artisans, Patrol, Oriental Band, Bowlers, Golfers, Pipes and Drums and Provost Guard to improve the appearance of their unit rooms.
Potentate Broussard, in utilizing an unused portion of the mosque, built and furnished a new Mecca Room to be used by small groups on special occasions.
Potentate Broussard worked with the temple units in suggesting “Block Parties” when on specified Sunday afternoons the units had open house sessions in their rooms with food and refreshments. These encouraged better unity between the units and promoted membership. The Sercor working area was improved for more efficient operations.
A very noticeable improvement in the performance of the temple business office was accomplished by the Illustrious Sir in working with the Divan and Board of Directors in upgrading with a new computer system and printing equipment. During this year the circus offices were remodeled as was the Meeting Room B area.
It was during this year that the membership voted to have the election at the December Stated Meeting, but to delay the inauguration of the new officers until the January Stated Meeting. This change was made possible by a ruling of the Imperial Council.
As the year closed with the Patrol’s Past Potentates’ Ball on January 16, 1988, in accepting his Past Potentates fez, Potentate Broussard thanked all for their support given him and Anna during the year, which had been a good one, leaving no unpaid bills.
