W. Kendall Baker *

Illustrious Sir W. Kendall Baker

Potentate - 1956

Acknowledging the strong foundation that had been laid for Arabia Temple by those who preceded him, Illustrious Potentate W. Kendall Baker’s ambition, in 1956, was to add to his foundation something worthwhile that would be a contribution for all future Shriners. As always, the Crippled Children’s Pageant, in March, was a beautiful extravaganza which was well attended and a complete success. In recent years the practice of staging it after the pageant had been discontinued.

In March, Potentate and Mrs. W. Kendall Baker entertained officers and ladies of all the out-of-town Shrine Clubs with dinner at Bill Williams’ Pioneer Room in March. All the Temple Units enjoyed Spring formals and the Uniformed Units prepared for All-State which was held in Houston. Celebrating the observance of San Jacinto Day, a gigantic “Meet the Stars” program featuring Dinah Shore, Steve Allen, Skitch Henderson, Steve Lawrence, Eydie Gorme, and other top television stars was held at the Music Hall on April 21 for the benefit of the Crippled Children.

All of the eleven Texas Temples were on hand for All-State meetings as guests of Arabia Temple in May. A full four days of activity included dances at the Rice and Shamrock Hotels, competitive drills at the Coliseum, a parade, sight-seeing bus tours, water pageants at the Shamrock pool, meetings, dinners and open house parties. Arabia Temple had the largest class of novices in recent years at the ceremonial. The Bowlers captured first place in their competition. Imperial Assistant Rabban George E. Stringfellow and Governor Allan Shivers were honored guests.

Potentate Baker was honored to be a candidate for Imperial Outer Guard at the Imperial meetings at Detroit in July. Noble Gerald D. Crary of Naja Temple in Deadwood, South Dakota was elected Imperial Potentate.

In October, 143 new novices crossed the hot sands at the Auditorium. A new unit, the Arabian Knights, was organized this year. An Arabia Temple church visitation was held on October 28th at St. Lukes Methodist Church, with approximately 600 Nobles and ladies attending. A Bigger and Better Circus was presented in November. Featuring outstanding aerial acts, more clowns and many new acts, the show played to good crowds and was most successful. And, the Christmas Party for the Crippled Children was held at the clinic in December.

Potentate Baker’s eventful year closed at the January Stated Meeting when he presented the newly elected Governor of Texas, Noble Price Daniel of Arabia Temple, who addressed the meeting.