Willard W. Glaze *
Illustrious Sir Willard W. Glaze
Potentate - 1949
Illustrious Potentate Willard W. Glaze was honored with two visits by Imperial Potentate Galloway Calhoun of Karem Temple in 1949. To the strains of Onward Christian Soldier played by the Band, the Imperial Sir paraded in the rain with Arabia’s Uniformed Units from the Rice Hotel to the First Methodist Church. Following the sermon given by Imperial Chaplain A. Frank Smith, Bishop and a Noble of Arabia Temple, Imperial Potentate Calhoun addressed the congregation. A few days later the Imperial Sir was at the opening of Arabia’s 31st Annual Crippled Children’s Ball at the Coliseum.
Potentate Glaze pledged to do everything possible to make this a happy and prosperous year. Two more units were organized: the Provost Guard and the Bowlers. Also, a new Shrine Club in Cleveland, Texas, to be known as the Trinity Valley Shrine Club, was organized. Three pilgrimages were made to Lufkin, Bay City, and Schulenburg. Regular visits were made to Blue Lodges throughout the city. Dances for the Nobility, both square and ballroom, continued all through the year as did the bingo parties. All the units were involved with their dances, parties, picnics, and barbecues.
The Imperial meetings were held in Chicago where Noble Harold Lloyd, of movie fame, became the first member of his profession to become Imperial Potentate. All-State was held in Houston in September. A request was issued for 100 convertibles to accommodate dignitaries from the seven Texas Temples. The Honor Guest was Past Imperial Potentate Galloway Calhoun of Karem Temple in Waco. The Drum & Bugle Corps and the Chanters won first place trophies in competition. It is recorded that this All-State was the finest ever held in the State of Texas.
Tickets were mailed to every Noble and Blue Lodge Mason for the annual circus held in November. In its first trip to the Circus, Brazoria County Shrine Club brought 7,500 children in 85 busses and cars. Colorado Valley Shrine Club brought 3,000 children in by train. With outstanding acts from all over the country, the circus was the most successful ever held.
Three ceremonials brought membership of the Temple to over 7,400. A Memorial service was held in December to pay tribute to our departed Nobles. The annual Christmas Party attracted a large crowd at the Auditorium, and the Wrecking Crew sponsored a New Year’s Eve Party and dance at the Temple.
A Nobility Dance at the Temple on January 14, 1950, brought a tremendous year to an end for Potentate Willard W. Glaze, just two days before the annual meeting.
