OTTAWA  SHRINE  CLUB  HISTORY "A SHRINE CLUB IN DARKNESS" Culture The culture of the Ottawa Shrine Club was one that lends itself to the marshalling of the talents and dedication of its members in support the various activities of Tunis Shriners. The Club provided an important personal contact with many Nobles and a forum of interest for those who regularly participated in the programs. In an informal way this culture stimulates friendly competition and camaraderie among members and among other Clubs and Units, which ultimately work to the benefit of Tunis Temple. Candidate Activity The members of the Club were certainly aware of the need for renewed efforts to gain new recruits. As members of various Masonic organizations, they were constantly alert to membership opportunities. The Club did not, under its own auspices deal with Temple membership, that was the responsibility of the Temple. They dis of course, as individuals, seek out new members for the Shrine, with the expectation that they would also become members of the Ottawa Shrine Club. In fact we presently know of six potential candidates, who individual members are encouraging and helping along the way to Master Mason. Donations to the Temple The Shrine Club donated annually to the Temple, generally at the Ceremonial the Visitation or Potentates Reception. In the past five years these donations have totaled, on average, about $4,000.00 annually. In addition to this we have on occasion made cash gifts to the Temple towards the purchase of equipment. Examples would be, 1995: $2,500.00 for kitchen renovation at the Temple; 1996: purchase of kitchen china, approximately $900.00; 1998/1999, purchase of soccer equipment $1,000.00. Club Activity The Club held regular meetings each second Tuesday since its' inception. These always included a social gathering and dinner prior to the official meeting. At the beginning of each year a program was agreed upon by the Board of Directors that designated which meetings would include dinner for our Ladies. Of the ten regular meetings each year, generally five were "Ladies" nights. Special meetings of the Club were: Roast night for past Presidents; Valentine Night for the Ladies and Remembrance ceremonies to honour our Veterans. In recent years the club held a Race Track Night, (now including Slots) at the Rideau-Carleton Raceway. The proper functioning of the Club required regular meetings of the Board of Directors. These meetings were held generally on the last Wednesday in each month, January through May.  The Club also conducted an annual Citrus Fruit sale, which was the main fund raising activity. This sale produces on average about $,4000.00 per year. Members put in many hours soliciting and distributing the fruit. The Noble with overall responsibility for the activity could look forward to spending about ten days at the Temple including Saturday and part of Sunday to dispose of the fruit. Although it was an onerous task the members of Ottawa Shrine Club who were active participants, viewed it as the annual citrus sale social gathering at an otherwise dreary time of year. The Club also introduced a form of competitiveness through the awarding of the "Frequent Fruit Floggers Trophy". The Club also puts a great deal of effort into supporting the Temple Car Draw and Calendar Draw.  This of course was not unique to our Club, but the results produced were indicative of the cooperation of our members. Each year our allotment of books was 700. Each year they surpassed the 800 book mark with over $12,000.00 turned in. This effort involved about 32 Nobles, working on average two shifts each at various Malls across the City and at the Exhibition. It goes without saying that the members also supported the Circus Unit in that the club requested members to attend and participate. Membership The membership stood at approximately 135, including 16 Life Members. Plans For Future IN DARKNESS

 

 

PAST  PRESIDENTS 

NEW OTTAWA SHRINE CLUB JANUARY 1, 2001

 FORMED WITH MEMBERS OF THE LORD ALEXANDER SHRINE CLUB

PAST  PRESIDENTS 

NOBLES	YEAR	E-MAIL
Noble Richard B. "Rick" Graham	2001	graham@green-barley.net
Noble Donald P. Smallman	2002
Noble G. James Bonney	2003
Noble Gordon Chamberlain	2004
Noble Peter J.  Wilkins	2005
Noble Merve Bonney	2006
Noble Gordon Chamberlain	2007