Papyrus Magazine September 2017

September 2017
Volume 38 Number 4

POTENTATE’S MESSAGE

Illustrious Sir David E. Rawn
Potentate

It is with great sorrow that on May 17th, 2017 Ill. Sir Robert Whitmarsh passed to the Grand Lodge above. Ill. Sir Robert was Potentate of Rameses Temple in 2007. Bob’s wit and good humour will be missed by all. Our condolences go to his wife Doreen, their two daughters and families.

On June 9th, many of Rameses Shriners attended the funeral of our long time employee and friend, Sonia Gordon. Sonia was a very hard working and a dedicated employee with Rameses Shrine for many years. We will miss her smiles and pleasant manner. Our condolences go out to her family, as she will be greatly missed by all.

The past few months have been packed with fun and exciting events. The first event being Rameses Spring Ceremonial. Many thanks to our Director General John Chipchase, all the Nobles and their Ladies of Manito Shrine Club for hosting Rameses Spring Ceremonial. This was an incredible weekend. The weather was great, the golf tournament well attended, the Friday night dinner and the entertainment had many up on the dance floor, Shrine Clubs and Units were well attended at the Parade, and of course the Oasis for those that needed a rest and a cold one, and then to end the evening with our Feast. Our stay at Blue Mountain Resorts was well planned and a wonderful experience for all who attended. Edith and I are very proud to be members of the Manito Shrine family.

In July several members of Rameses Shrine attended the Imperial Sessions at Daytona Beach. The Imperial Divan had a lot on the agenda to deal with. Larry Liebe was elected to the position of Imperial Outer Guard. I congratulate Imperial Sir Larry Liebe as he starts his journey up the Imperial Line. I know he is a real team player and will contribute a lot to the Shrine.

One item that was voted on and was passed at the Imperial was that all Temples pay their Assessment in U.S. dollars. This will be a bump in our Assessment depending where our Canadian Dollar is at the time.

The Tuesday evening was quite humid but didn’t stop the Shrine Parade. It was approximately 2 hours long and an extremely good parade with many Temples participating. It was such an honour to ride in the Chariot and represent Rameses as your Potentate at the Imperial Session. I would like to thank The Founders for bringing the Street Car to represent Rameses in the Parade. The Pageant was well attended by both Shriners and their ladies. This is the part of the Imperial Sessions when Imperial Sir Gary Bergenski is installed as Imperial Potentate and his Lady Ann becomes our Imperial First Lady.

This year we have 2 young ladies as Ambassadors for our Hospitals, 11-year-old Emily Mellish from Erie Pennsylvania and 14-year-old Isabella Rose from Florida. Please take the time and go to “shrinershospitalforchildren.org/mediaresources” to learn of their life’s encounters and how the Shrine Hospitals have made an important and vital difference in their lives.

There have been several Golf Tournaments and BBQs within Rameses this summer. Muskoka Surf & Turf was a sell out and a great night. Waubuno Shrine Club presented its 41st Surf & Turf held on Kewis Island. The weather was great and a good number of Nobles and local residents attended. The annual Hillbilly Pig Roast at Sudbury was well attended. Unfortunately Edith and I were unable to attend as we were involved in an accident at Britt on our way. Thank You to everyone that called, e-mailed and visited us. Your kindness is greatly appreciated.

Our Divan has had meetings with Trureal Fund Raising Service Inc. I am pleased that Rameses will be the leaders with a “Shrine Visa” and “Gift Cards”. This will generate cash for our Hospital, a tax receipt for the cardholder and recognition for the Shrine everywhere the Card is used. Our goal is to have every Canadian Temple become part of the “Shrine Visa & Gift Card”.

Wishing everyone a very enjoyable and safe summer.

Quote of the day “He who says money can’t buy happiness, has never owned a John Deere”