Papyrus Magazine November 2017

November 2017
Volume 38 Number 5

POTENTATE’S MESSAGE

Illustrious Sir David E. Rawn
Potentate

Nobles and Ladies, as I write my final message as Potentate of Rameses Shriners 2017, I would like to thank everyone for the Honour and Privilege of being Potentate of such a Great Fraternity.

When I was elected to Oriental Guide 5 years ago, everyone said that time will just fly by and it certainly has. This year as Potentate, has been a very rewarding part of my life.

Lady Edith and I have had an incredible year made possible by the assistance of everyone on the Elected and Appointed Divan, their Ladies and Rameses Office Staff. To all the Clubs and Units that Lady Edith and I have visited, we would like to thank you for your friendship and hospitality. We have connected with old friends and made many new ones.

I wish to thank the Clubs and Units for their support of the Potentate’s Ball, the Spring Ceremonial, Imperial Session, summer BBQ’s, Picnics, Golf Tournaments, the Fall Ceremonial and of course our Potentate’s Trip.

Our Potentate’s Trip began in New York City. We toured the city seeing many sights, including Times Square, flew over the Statue of Liberty, and visited Ground Zero. Ground Zero and the Memorial were dedicated to the 2,983 men, women and children that were killed in the Terrorist attack September 11th, 2001. “The Memorial will always be a solemn place of reflection and remembrance”. The Museum and grounds were a very emotional part of the day as we each remembered exactly where we were when we heard the tragic news.

We boarded ship and sailed onto Boston. In Boston our tour guide took us to many points of interest. The next stop was the Shriners Hospital for Children – Boston in which we were welcomed by the CEO and enjoyed a tour of the facilities. We boarded ship and cruised on up the Eastern Seaboard stopping at 6 more ports of call, then down the St. Lawrence River to Quebec City, and travelled on to Montreal by train. In Montreal we toured the City by bus then onto visit our Shriners Hospital for Children – Canada. Our Secretary of the Hospital Board, Noble John Neil, as always gave an outstanding tour of the facility. I have visited many Shriners Hospitals for Children, but it is always a pleasure to visit our Canadian Hospital. The last evening of our trip was spent at the Queen Elizabeth Hotel in Montreal and the following morning everyone returned home. Lady Edith and I along with Noble John Hindle and Lady Susan extended our time in Montreal to attend Karnak’s Potentate’s Ball. Noble John Hindle and I attended a Hospital Board Meeting which was very informative. I would like to thank everyone that came on our trip and hope you enjoyed the cruise.

As the new Divan for 2018 take office, I would like to congratulate each of you and wish you the best in your journey to Potentate. Noble Tom and Lady Linda, I wish you every success in
your year as Potentate and First Lady, enjoy your term and safe travel.

As we approach the Holy Season for many religions, Lady Edith and I would like to wish everyone a Very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year with health, happiness and good will for this and the up and coming years.”