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E. Edsel Moore |
1996 Past Potentate
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Motto: "Masonic Unity - The Right Mix In '96" |
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"Highlights" 1996 was a banner year in many respects all of our goals were met or exceeded with the exception of the creation of new Nobles. The slogan quote "Masonic unity the right mix in '96" was very appropriate. All of the leaders of the Masonic bodies in Kentucky met at Oleika Temple with a working luncheon with appointed Shriner ambassadors on improving Masonic relations and to strengthen our respective bodies, to improve image, visibility and the communities within respective jurisdictions. As a result Oleika created 80 new members. The 96 paper crusade made in over $56,000. The most ever in our Temple at the time. The circus was a financial success netting over $109,000, the second best circus in Oleika history. Membership was well over 3000, and Oleika had joint membership programs with both the York and Scottish Rite bodies. In 1996 we set a record for onions at over 42,000 pounds led by Chairman Charlie Dawkins. We sold enough marble plaques to generate enough revenue to replace all of the concrete in front of the mosque; one of the 1996 highlights was the presentation of a 50 year membership and to 21 living nobles, three of which were present to be honored for their loyalty and dedication to the shrine. The 1996 December Ceremonial was in honor of Past Potentate, Illustrious Sir William Kelly Moore for his contributions and dedicated service to the shrine.
This will be my final message! It seems impossible the year has come and gone so rapidly. This has been a trememdously rewarding year for Katherine and me because it has afforded us the opportunity to work closely with so many dedicated and, in our view, outstanding Shriners and their ladies in support of the programs initiated this year, to Oleika Temple and finally, their service to benefit the operation of Shriners Hospitals and those children in need of our services.
All of our goals were met this year with the exception of the creation of new members. To date 80 new Nobles have been created with the December 7, 1996 Ceremonial yet to come. We hope to create an additional 30 Nobles on that date. We changed Circus producers this year. The tele-marketing and promotion strategy all of which resulted in a highly accepted and financially successful Circus. The Temple netted over $100,000 from nearly $300,000 in gross income.
The '96 Paper Crusade led by Chairman Bob Agee will exceed our goal of $125,000. The final figures will not be available until December 1, 1996. However, a final report will be issued in the first issue of the '97 Oleikan.
The repair work on the mosque is progressing and will be completed by years end. Our '96 Onion Sales led by Chairman Charlie Dawkins exceeded 42,000 pounds exceeding our goal of 35,000 pounds, thanks to the sales of the Clubs and Units. There are so many nobles, clubs, units, chairman of committees and appointees it is impossible to recoginze all individually in this article. However, I am deeply grateful to all of you for your support in the Temple's fund raising programs, social activities, pilgrimages to Branson, the SESA, SASA and Imperial conventions. There just aren't words adequate enough to express our appreciation. We shall have many fond memories for the warmth, courtesy and thoughtfulness extended to us throughout our visits to the clubs and units activities. I also wish to extend appreciation to the office staff of Loretta Ferguson, Jennifer Campbell, and Cheryl DeHart for their invaluable assistance this year.
We are also pleased to recognize, Wayne Rogers, The Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Kentucky, a member of Oeika Temple and we extend best wishes during his tenure of office. We look forward to his leadership and are confident masonry in Kentucky will move forward under his leadership.
Finally, I wish to express appreciation to Lady Katherine who has supported me and made many sacrificies during the past four and one half years. We have made so many new friends during this time and all of you have touched us in a special way. We shall continue to serve the Shrine in whatever capacity we can. In closing, we believe we had "The Right Mix in '96 and we met the challenges of tomorrow".
Lady Katherine and I wish each Noble and family of Oleika an enjoyable, safe, and prosperous Holiday Season. |
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