Wednesday July 21

I have received many emails from Nobles asking whether I have given up on blogging, due to my sporadic nature of posting messages. Unfortunately, although I would love to blog everyday, sometimes it seems there is never enough hours in a day.

Monday July 19: I got to the Shrine Center around 4:30 P.M. and immediately left with the Asst. Rabban to go furniture shopping. Anyone who has been in any of the Board of Directors offices have seen the ancient furniture, desks, chairs, etc. They are old, in poor condition and not conducive to running a business. We have found a company dealing in pre-owned (I Love that word, so much better than "used") office furniture. We found many newer chairs and desks to provide a more business like nature to the offices.

We returned to the Shrine Center in time to initiate a new Noble to Moslem Shriners, via a short form ritual. He was very happy to have been afforded this courtesy and promised to return for the Fall Ceremonial.

I then met with some visitors to give them a tour of the building and new technological upgrades that have occurred this year. They were really impressed and hopefully a future relationship may have been initiated.

Following this meeting, I was on the run the rest of the evening. Mondays are Shrine night, and the during the summer, the third Monday have multiple units meeting. As we run this Shrine as a business, the Board of Directors cannot afford to take a summer vacation. Therefore, the Board members are continuously busy with different projects. I am amazed how well the Directors of the Board have empowered themselves to take a vital role in the management of the Shrine. Until last year, as you were elected to the Board, you sat around for four years and let the Potentate run the the entire show to his pleasure. It is refreshing to see this change, to utilize the talents of the Board members that were elected to represent our organization.

Tuesday July 20: I left work and drove down to the Masonic Temple in Detroit. It was such a shame to see the number of indigent, riff-Raff sitting on the steps around the building. This scenario would never have been tolerated in the hey-day of the Masonic Temple. I met with some officials regarding the parking situation around the temple and attempted to arrange an understanding as to the future of the area. Like I tell everyone, no one will ever, EVER, state that the Masonic Temple in Detroit is not the most beautiful building in the world. A very brief tour of the building will amaze anyone, and to know more intimate details as many members know over the years.

I left there about 6:15 P.M. and drover for over an hour to Ray Township, and visited Utica-Macomb Lodge for their annual Steak Dinner and Smoke out. I enjoyed a very healthy stogie with some Brothers I have not seen in a while, sitting outside in the beautiful evening. It was very pleasant sitting around in a Lodge setting, without any titles and enjoying the company of Brothers, is that not what Brotherly Love is all about.

Have I told you how much I love being a Mason, I cannot imagine my life without living by the tenets.

On another note, I had to make another tough decision at the shrine regarding leadership of one of our largest enterprises. These decisions are never easy, but that is part of the responsibility of leadership. We would like to think ourselves infallible to chosing the best and most talented members to lead our several units/clubs, looking at past mistakes and seeking better results. Unfortunately, a year is a long time and many things occur to alter the future. However, I am so happy to have been able to appoint a great newer Noble to a very important position, a position I believe that he is not only ready to serve but to excell and bring about an improved future. I do beleive that the future of the Shrine is in good hands with members as this Noble. May the Supreme Architect bless us all and continue to provide further light.