William E. (Bill) Mattison *
Illustrious Sir William E. "Bill" Mattison
Potentate - 1968
It was the hope of Potentate William E. Mattison that, “A year that begins with masonic unity will, because of it, end in harmony.” Accordingly, for the first time, a public installation was held on Sunday, January 21st, in the Ballroom where the Potentate and Divan for 1968 were installed by MW J. W. Chandler, Grand Master of Masons in Texas.
Potentate Mattison was dedicated to the proposition that Arabia Temple should and must grow. Therefore, the motto for his administration was “Escalate in ’68.”
By arranging the Imperial Potentate’s official visit on January 27th, the date of the Inaugural Ball, many more Nobles and ladies were able to meet the Imperial Sir and his lady, Ruth.
In February, Arabia Temple sponsored the largest indoor motorcycle race at the Astrodome to help raise funds to send the units to the Imperial Council Session in Chicago.
The Crippled Children’s Pageant and Search for Stars was replaced that year, on April 4th, by a preseason baseball game between the Houston Astros and the Minnesota Twins at the Astrodome. More than $26,000 was divided between the two hospitals as a result of this game and individual contributions.
With the impetus of ring candidates at the Spring and Fall Ceremonials and ceremonials at Lufkin and Victoria, a total of 347 members were initiated during the year.
The realization of a dream began at the May Stated Meeting when members voted to construct a new Mosque on the North Braeswood Boulevard property. Architects were employed to design a complex to be built in stages.
The Patrol won first place in competition at the All-State in Dallas in June and became National Champions again by winning first place at the Imperial Council Session in Chicago.
Two new units were organized:
Legion of Honor
Nobles of Bektashy
Temple Shrine Clubs increased to eleven with the organization of the Fort Bend Shrine Club.
Replacing the original First Liners Club, the Gold Medallion Club was instituted in 1968.
With one of the finest shows ever presented to a Houston audience, the 1968 Arabia Shrine Circus was a great success and was described as “How Sweet It Was.”
