Papyrus Magazine November 2018

November 2018
Volume 39 Number 5

POTENTATE’S MESSAGE

Illustrious Sir Thomas W. Woodrow
Potentate

Nobles, this is my last blog. It has been 7 years on the Divan. In 2012 I was 2nd Ceremonial Master and 2013 I was 1st Ceremonial Master and in 2014 I was elected Oriental Guide. You, the Nobility, trusted me to be your Potentate for 2018. It was a privilege I didn’t take lightly. I tried to do my best for the good of Rameses and our Children’s Hospitals.

The number one person I need to thank is my wife Linda. She made me look good. She looked after all the ladies functions and kept me on the straight and narrow. Thanks dear, I couldn’t have done it without you.

The strength of Shrinedom is in its loyalty to each other. If we can’t get along, then Shrinedom is doomed. Who will help and give hope to the children in our Shrine Hospitals?

It’s true that our numbers are down. We were once 900,000 and today we are at 230,000. Think about it for a moment, from 13 Nobles in 1872, we grew to 900,000. During that time we built 22 hospitals and helped over 1.3 million children live a better life.

Imagine what could happen if we made Shrinedom great again, but this time we are starting with 230,000 Nobles in over 7 countries. Nobles, let’s start to put our differences aside and look for the good in everyone. Remember, no one wants to join a Club that has fighting within it.

Turn your attention to Membership. The Fall Ceremonial will be on 17 November at our Shrine Centre. Please try to bring a new Candidate. Don’t forget to have some fun along the way.

Dues are due! You can pay by cash, cheque or even credit card.

It’s also lottery time! Do you know that not all Shriners buy a ticket? In fact, more non-Shriners buy tickets than Shriners. Let’s turn that around.

Finally, I would like to sincerely thank the Elected and Appointed Divan. You all did an outstanding job, Linda and I were so privileged to have had the opportunity to work along side of each and every one of you.

Both Linda and I wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Remember – “Every great journey, no matter how long, begins with the first step”.