Nobles, Ladies, and Friends of the Rhode Island Shriners,

     Welcome to a new issue of the Scimitar. Hopefully everyone had a great New Year and holiday season.  

     First, I would like to thank all the Nobles for electing me to the position of Recorder of the Rhode Island Shrine. It is an important position, and I vow to do my best to perform the tasks associated with the position. A big heart-felt thank you goes to Ill. Leon Knudsen for a job well done as Recorder for the past ten years. It will be difficult to fill his shoes, but I will give it my best! 

     Nobles and friends . . . this year, January 28 marked the 125th anniversary of the Rhode Island Shrine. On January 28, 1886, Rhode Island was granted its charter from Imperial to operate as a Shrine Center. We have many things to be proud of. Many accomplishments were achieved which are still in existence today in the form of our charitable contributions helping children in our State with medical needs and allowing them to live better lives and have more fun with special equipment to make their childhood more enjoyable. 

     On January 28, 1886, Deputy for Rhode Island Clarence B. Mason was given permission to form the Palestine Temple in Newport, Rhode Island where it thrived for three years before moving to Providence.

     Ill. Clarence Mason served as Potentate from January 28, 1886 to December 5, 1888 when Noble John Waters was elected Potent-ate. On June 24, 1889, the 34th meeting of Palestine Temple was first held in Freemasons Hall in Providence. The first two meetings held in Providence created a total of 113 new Nobles.

     We have a rich history in our Shrine Center, and we need to move forward making more of this history so that the next 125 years reflect the same dedication and commitment for the betterment of Shrinedom.

     Please read the Scimitar, support your Units and Shrine Center, and participate in the events and functions!

Fraternally,

Frank Di Mascio

Recorder, RI Shrine