“Fun with a Purpose”
Hi Nobles,
Before I start the year, I need to thank a few people. Thank you
Illustrious Dick Johnson for appointing me to the Divan line and
for being my installing officer at the January Ceremonial. Thank
you Noble Doug Dodge for helping me to present “our purpose” at
the Ceremonial. Thank you Aides and Aides wives, lead by Chief
Aide Dave Raymond and Lady Robin for an awesome Potentate’s Ball
Weekend. Thank you members of the Temple Guard and the Oriental
Band for being my honor guard at the Ball. Most of all - Thank
you all for allowing me to be the Potentate of Aleppo Temple for
2008. I will do my best, and with the help of the Divan, we will
strive to exceed your expectations.
I hope you’re planning on having as much fun as I am this year. For those
of you who did attend the January Ceremonial you know that this
year’s theme is “Fun with a Purpose.” Our guest, Shrine patient,
Megan Johnson, certainly showed us what our purpose is. If you
attended the Potentate’s Ball weekend then you know we take our
fun “seriously.” That’s the whole purpose of Shrine. To have
Fun. To enjoy each other’s company. To find activities that are
fun to do. To get others involved and have fun supporting our
Shrine Hospitals. If we have fun and other’s see us enjoying
doing what we do, we WILL attract new members. Speaking of new
members, our new Membership Chairman, Noble Phil Kumph needs all
of us to think about membership. I know that we can all think of
a friend, co-worker, family member, etc. that would be
interested in joining the Shrine or joining Masonry. Think about
it right now. No, I mean really think about it. Who do you know
that would make a good Shriner? I know you thought of a name –
didn’t you. Write his name down on a piece of paper. Now take
the next step. Call him and ask. “Would you like me to Sponsor
you into the Shrine or Masonry?” If you’re not sure how, call or
e-mail the Membership Chairman, the Recorder, or me. Don’t let
it drop, do it now. That name you thought of could become a
great Shriner, an inspiration to us all. Or maybe he’ll just
have a blast being a Shriner.
And now for a commercial: Don’t Be Left Out! We only have a few
reservations left for our trip to Norway. Lady Lynne and I would
love to have you join us. Nobles, Ladies, and friends are
invited. Check the ad in this newspaper for more information on;
Norway’s Dramatic Fjords.
Es Selamu Aleikum
Illustrious Stephen G. Eriksen
Potentate Aleppo Temple
