Nile
Shriners

Shriners come from all walks of life. We are members of the community who are working or retired, members of the trades, business professionals, business leaders and men who want to just have fun. We are fathers, uncles and sons. We are also brothers. When you become a Shriner, you become part of a brotherhood of men committed to family, engaged in ongoing personal growth, and dedicated to providing care of children and families in need through Shriners Hospitals for Children regardless of their ability to pay.

While our backgrounds and interests may be diverse, what binds us together are shared values and a desire to have fun, do good and build relationships that can last a life time. Is it time for you to learn more about Shriners International? Visit www.beashrinernow.com and find out. You can also go to our Join Nile page for what it will take to join.

Larry J. Gillespie
Potentate 2021

We were fortunate to be able to hold our meeting and elections by Zoom on January 29, 2021, and my thanks to all who participated and thanks to Divan members who participated in setting up the Zoom meeting. It went off without a hitch. I am proud to have been elected your Potentate and hope that soon we can control the COVID-19 virus by vaccination, and we can open our doors again. With the opening to 25% in Restaurants and Bars, we hope to be able to offer limited service soon. We are planning for a number of events so we will be ready when we are authorized to operate.

The drive-by car event to greet your new Divan was an unexpected special event organized by Illustrious Sir Larry and his Lady Annie Bronner and taken up by Jim Hart of Oriental Band fame, Ladies Oriental Shrine and Daughters of the Nile. We had Nobles and their Ladies attend from Bellingham (they came special with their Mini Trucks and led the parade in the rain), and all the way from Sequim, and our special friends of 60 years from the Sumner area and all our family members. We did not know what fun a drive-by could be and thank each and everyone of you for being there.

The calendar events are still being kept on the calendar and will be changed or canceled according to the Washington State regulations in place at the time. Some of the events are the formal installation of your elected Divan, Potentate’s appointed Divan and other elected officers of units and clubs. Also, the Nile Potentate’s ball and the Easter Egg Hunt in April, the First Lady’s luncheon in May, PNSA in July and the Nile Holiday ball in November. This is just a few of the events to look forward to.

With our younger Divan we hope to be able to infuse some new and more modern programs including a Zoom program for our outer units to attend stated meetings. Being from the older generation, I do value and appreciate our traditions but do realize we need to change with the times to attract new members. If you have any suggestions as to what you would like to see happen, please contact me and I will discuss them with you.

One of the major projects that we are now working on is repairs to the roof of the Shrine Center.

As one of my counterparts stated, “By only working together will we be able to create positive changes, growth and greater success in our efforts as both an exceptional Fraternity and the World’s Greatest Philanthropy.” I think this is truly what our organization is working to accomplish.

At the recent Conference of Grand Masters in Louisville, Kentucky, Imperial Potentate Jeff Sowder, along with Scottish Rite Sovereign Grand Commanders David A. Glattly, 33° (Northern Masonic Jurisdiction), and James D. Cole, 33° (Southern Jurisdiction), announced a formal partnership on the Path Forward for Freemasonry.

As part of that initiative, the three leaders announced BeaFreemason.org, which features a wealth of information including an explanation of Masonic terms, lodge life, symbolism, degrees and family organizations. Launched in mid-February, this first-of-its-kind site introduces Freemasonry to men who are looking to "become the best version" of themselves. The site has a "Get in Touch" button, so prospects (in North America) can fill out a short form that will put them in touch with a Masonic leader in their local area. We hope you share this helpful site with men that you know who are committed to lives of honor, integrity and character.

For more information, go to: beafreemason.org