Echoes of the Fez: Reviving the Heartbeat of Al Shamal, 20 Years Later

𝘈 𝘛𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘸𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙜𝙮, 𝙛𝙪𝙣, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙛𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙨𝙥𝙞𝙧𝙞𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙠𝙚𝙥𝙩 𝘼𝙡 𝙎𝙝𝙖𝙢𝙖𝙡 𝙢𝙖𝙧𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙙.

By Noble Trevor Eliott - Mr Fancy Fez

Twenty years ago, the Nobles of Al Shamal Shriners were firing on all cylinders. The year 2005 was full of laughter, leadership, and legacy—from parade routes and fundraisers to new member celebrations and regional showcases. The fez was everywhere, and the mission was clear: fun with a purpose.

In this special #ThrowbackThursday tribute, we look back at the Nobles, Ladies, Units, and moments that defined 2005—and how their spirit still guides us today.

🎩 The 2005 Divan: Leading with Purpose

At the helm of Al Shamal was Illustrious Sir Jim Robertson, Potentate, whose warmth, steadiness, and vision set the tone for the year.

Jim was supported by a capable and committed Divan:

• Chief Rabban: Rick Runzer

• Assistant Rabban: Doug Sharkey

• High Priest & Prophet: Jim Chronopoulos

• Oriental Guide: Barry Gogal

• Treasurer: Walter Boullion

• Recorder: Bob Thachuk

  
  

🧭 𝘼𝙋𝙋𝙊𝙄𝙉𝙏𝙀𝘿 𝘿𝙄𝙑𝘼𝙉 – 𝟚𝟘𝟘𝟝

• 𝘿𝙞𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙤𝙧 𝙂𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙡: Noble 𝙆𝙚𝙣 𝙒𝙝𝙞𝙩𝙚

• 𝙈𝙖𝙧𝙨𝙝𝙖𝙡: Noble 𝘽𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙞𝙚 𝙈𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙧

• 𝘿𝙞𝙧. 𝙤𝙛 𝙐𝙣𝙞𝙛. 𝙐𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙨: Noble 𝙅𝙞𝙢 𝙏𝙚𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙚𝙩𝙤𝙣

• 𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙞𝙣: Noble 𝘿𝙤𝙣 𝙈𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙖𝙧

• 𝘿𝙞𝙧. 𝙍𝙞𝙩. 𝘾𝙖𝙨𝙩: Noble 𝙇𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙮 𝙃𝙚𝙧𝙤𝙣

• 𝟙ˢᵗ 𝘾𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙢𝙤𝙣𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝙈𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧: Noble 𝙅𝙞𝙢 𝙁𝙤𝙧𝙗𝙚𝙨

• 𝟚ⁿᵈ 𝘾𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙢𝙤𝙣𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝙈𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧: Noble 𝘽𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙈𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙞𝙣

• 𝘾𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙖𝙞𝙣 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙂𝙪𝙖𝙧𝙙: Noble 𝘼𝙧𝙘𝙝 𝘽𝙧𝙮𝙨𝙤𝙣

• 𝙊𝙪𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙂𝙪𝙖𝙧𝙙: Noble 𝙈𝙖𝙘 𝙎𝙞𝙢𝙢𝙤𝙣𝙨

  
  

  🏛️ 𝙎𝙝𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝘾𝙡𝙪𝙗 𝙋𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨 – 𝟚𝟘𝟘𝟝

  • 𝘼𝙡-𝙒𝙖: Noble 𝙃𝙤𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙙 𝘽𝙖𝙧𝙣𝙨𝙡𝙚𝙮

  • 𝘽𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙡𝙚 𝙍𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙧: Noble 𝙆𝙚𝙣 𝙍𝙖𝙮𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩

  • 𝙀𝙙𝙨𝙤𝙣: Noble 𝙅𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝘿𝙧𝙚𝙗𝙞𝙩

  • 𝙁𝙩. 𝙈𝙘𝙈𝙪𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙮: Noble 𝙅𝙞𝙢 𝙈𝙤𝙤𝙧𝙚

  • 𝙂𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙚 𝙋𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙧𝙞𝙚: Ill. Sir 𝘽𝙧𝙪𝙘𝙚 𝙈𝙘𝘾𝙪𝙡𝙡𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝

  
  

Their leadership extended far beyond ceremonial duties. They rebuilt, recruited, and represented Al Shamal proudly.

🚗 Motor Corps – 𝙍𝙚𝙫𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙮!

The 𝟐𝟎𝟎𝟓 Edmonton Shrine Motor Corps rolled through the year with 𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙜𝙮, 𝙚𝙭𝙘𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚, and 𝙚𝙭𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙤𝙧𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙧𝙮 𝙨𝙥𝙞𝙧𝙞𝙩.

📍 Parade Highlights:

• Attended 19 Divan parades, ranging from Lloydminster to Ponoka, and Ft. McMurray to Edson.

• Only missed two parades — Rimbey (due to a monsoon!) and Camrose (to honor a departed Noble).

• Rode in their signature Tuk Tuks, generously supported by John Liss and Airways Truck Rental.

🍽️ Events & Hospitality:

• Hosted visiting Motor Corps at the Molson House during PNSA, with standout catering by Tony Cheung and an award-winning dinner.

• Special thanks went out to David Johnson and Joel Segal for support during the Ft. McMurray ride.

🏆 Accolades:

• Noble Mike Ledig proudly claimed the coveted Broken Wing Award for the first time.

• PNSA 2005 was praised as “the best ever,” especially under the leadership of Barrie Miller.

🛠️ Service and Dedication:This unit ran like a well-oiled machine thanks to the outstanding service of:

• Bill Pollard & Barry Miller – Chairs

• Jim Forbes, Dave Christensen, Walter Bouillon, Bob Thachuk – Admin

• Harvey Miller, Al Craig, Bill Pollard – Registration

• Larry Heron – Master of Ceremonies

• Dozens of other Nobles contributed to ticket sales, bar tending, clean-up, security, and raffles — a true team effort.

🎬 𝘼𝙡 𝙎𝙝𝙖𝙢𝙖𝙡 𝘿𝙞𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙤𝙧’𝙨 𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙛𝙛 – 𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙜𝙚𝙙 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙎𝙚𝙧𝙫𝙞𝙘𝙚

The year began on a solemn note with the loss of Noble David Neil, a longtime Shriner who joined in 1966 and served as President of the Director’s Staff in 1970. He was remembered fondly for his dedication.

⚙️ Newly Elected Officers:

• 𝙋𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙩: Noble 𝙈𝙪𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙮 𝙎𝙪𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙙

• 𝙁𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙩 𝙑𝙞𝙘𝙚 𝙋𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙩: Noble 𝙀𝙙 𝙋𝙖𝙧𝙚

• 𝙎𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙙 𝙑𝙞𝙘𝙚 𝙋𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙩: Noble 𝘼𝙧𝙩 𝙃eard

• 𝙎𝙚𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙮/𝙏𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙚𝙧: Noble 𝙂𝙡𝙚𝙣 𝙒𝙝𝙞𝙩𝙚

  
  

🧱 Additional appointments included:

• Nobles Jim MacDonald and George Leighton – Phone Committee

• Doug Fraser – Social Chairman

🎉 Event Highlights:

• 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙋𝙤𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙚’𝙨 𝘽𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝘾𝙞𝙧𝙘𝙪𝙨 were well-attended and lively.

• 𝙇𝙖𝙙𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙉𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 welcomed Ill. Sir Jim Robertson and Lady Deanna for an evening of fun and fraternal bonding.

• The Parade Marshall, Noble Dave Cleveley, ensured all summer parade logistics ran smoothly.

• The Casino Night was a “tremendous success.”

🎭 𝘼𝙡 𝙎𝙝𝙖𝙢𝙖𝙡 𝘾𝙡𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙐𝙣𝙞𝙩 – 𝘽𝙚𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙍𝙚𝙙 𝙉𝙤𝙨𝙚: 𝘼𝙡 𝙎𝙝𝙖𝙢𝙖𝙡 𝘾𝙡𝙤𝙬𝙣𝙨 𝙎𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙎𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙎𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙖𝙘𝙡𝙚

Ian “Skogi” Skogstad, Noble Doug Sharkey, Ill. Sir Jim Robertson, Noble John Alexander, and Noble W. Alan Bell representing Al Shamal with pride and personality at the international gathering.

The Al Shamal Clowns brought smiles and spirit across the Pacific Northwest Shrine Clown Association circuit and beyond in 2005.

🎪 Standout Events & Honors:

• Hosted the PNSCA Annual Meeting in Edmonton — with 63 registered clowns, including 20+ from the Al Shamal unit.

• Special guests included Ill. Sir George Whitehurst, Ill. Sir “Co” London, and the Vice President of the International Shrine Clown Association.

• Clowns participated in workshops, including birthday party tips, makeup artistry, and balloon sculpting, led by pros like “Parfait” (balloon artist extraordinaire).

• Judges from Al Azhar and Al Amir (Calgary) selected “Elephant Trophy” winners.

  
  

🎭 Leadership & Recognition:

• “Tiny” Alexander elected Second VP of the Clown Association.

• “Skooj” Slodki crowned Shrine Clown Ambassador of 2005.

• “Ding Dong” Bell and “Dizzy” Bob Rapotora coordinated reports and community involvement.

  
  

🧱 Community & Ceremonial Appearances:

• Clowns visited hospitalized children, ran clown school for new members, and performed across parades and outreach events.

• Took part in the Red Nose Degree, Wainwright parade, and Lady’s Night festivities with Imperial officers and Ladies Auxiliary.

  
  

💃 A Grand Finale:

• PNSA concluded with an awards banquet and dancing hosted by Danny Hooper, leaving everyone with full hearts and brighter spirits.

🎭 Clown Unit at ISCA Mid-Winter

Al Shamal was represented by three talented clowns at the 2005 I.S.C.A. Mid-Winter Convention in Louisville:

• "Ding Dong" Bell

• "Singe" Skogstad

• Noble John Alexander

  
  

These Nobles brought home top prizes:

• Noble Ives: Top Ten for Auguste make-up and Third Place for Paradability

• Noble Skogstad & Noble James Cagle (Jackson): Gained a Top Ten spot in Two-Man Skit

• Noble Ives: Also recognized in Top Ten for One-Man Skit

Special mention: Noble El Stripes Whitenett was sworn in as 2005–2006 ISCA President—a prestigious honour.

🐻 Shriners in Yellowknife

During the 50th anniversary of Yellowknife's Catholic Carnival, the Al Shamal Clowns returned north, led by Ill. Sir Dusty Beaulieu.Highlights:

• Noble contributions from: El Stripes, Ray “JB” Bjornson, “Sparky” Nickoli, and Lady Teresa Kaye

• Ill. Sir Ari “Dr. Sigmund Fraud” Hoeksema and Nobles Bill “Billy Button” Harrison, Jim “Sparky” Nicholls, Barry “Homer” Kaye, and John “Tiny” Alexander brought joy and laughter to the North, joined by Lady Hilary Alexander and Lady Theresa Kaye.

• Local fundraising supported the trip

• First Air flew the five clowns and medical gear free of charge

• Yellowknife Chevaliers de Colomb offered storage and hospitality

The mission emphasized the powerful intersection of fraternal fun and compassionate care.

🎪 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙏.𝙇.𝘾. 𝙐𝙣𝙞𝙩: 𝙁𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙎𝙥𝙤𝙩𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙋𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚 𝙍𝙤𝙪𝙩𝙚 – 𝙍𝙪𝙢𝙢𝙪𝙢𝙢 𝙍𝙪𝙢𝙢𝙪𝙢𝙢!

The T.L.C. Unit continues to embody the heart and humor of Al Shamal. The 2005 Variety Show was a smash hit, packed with crowd-pleasing acts and standing ovations. Whether behind the scenes or in the spotlight, our Nobles went above and beyond to deliver unforgettable entertainment. Special recognition goes to Noble Bob “Hollywood” Russell, who wrangled the mic and the laughter with the skill of a seasoned showman.

As the circus packed up and the big top came down, the T.L.C. Unit rolled straight into parade season. With trailers tuned and units polished, our team is hitting the road for ten parades across the region. The energy was high, the smiles were wide, and the horn went “Rummumm Rummumm Rummumm!”

At PNSA 2005, the TLC crew made a lasting impression. From hosting duties to performances, our members set the tone for camaraderie and fun. The unit was thrilled to see Noble Roger Riopel’s “Big Unit” win multiple awards for craftsmanship and creativity. His dedication—and his family's support— become a point of pride for the entire unit.

Looking ahead, planning is already underway for 2006. The Pyrogolf event in October promises more laughs, more memories, and more reasons why TLC continues to be one of the most beloved units at Al Shamal.

𝙍𝙪𝙢𝙢𝙪𝙢𝙢… 𝙍𝙪𝙢𝙢𝙪𝙢𝙢… 𝙍𝙐𝙈𝙈𝙐𝙈𝙈!

🎺 𝘽𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝘽𝙧𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙨: 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝘼𝙡 𝙎𝙝𝙖𝙢𝙖𝙡 𝙊𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙡 𝘽𝙖𝙣𝙙’𝙨 𝘿𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙞𝙣 2005 🎺

The 2005 season began on a quiet note for the Oriental Band, with snowbird members slowly returning from warmer climates. Under the direction of Noble Grant Geldart, rehearsals resumed in earnest by May, igniting the spirit of the Shrine’s oldest active unit.

Despite declining numbers, the heartbeat of the band stayed strong—fueled by a shared love of music and a mission to bring joy to rural parades and community celebrations across Northern Alberta. From Fort Saskatchewan to small-town rodeos, their presence inspired smiles and upheld the Shrine’s philanthropic legacy.

With Al Shamal hosting the 2005 Pacific Northwest Shrine Association (PNSA) gathering, the Oriental Band proudly organized the PNSA Oriental Band Association’s Annual Meet, attracting units from across the U.S. and Pacific Northwest. Held at Northlands, the event featured lively performances, humorous antics, and unmatched camaraderie.

Even in competition, Al Shamal shone. Nobles Tony Lee and Rick Mattar delivered a percussion act so original it had judges in stitches, earning praise for creativity and musical flair. Another highlight was a spirited performance featuring a rendition of “Hava Nagila” on traditional instruments—a cultural celebration as much as a musical one.

Poetic thanks were offered to the unsung heroes: the Band Ladies. Whether cheering from sidewalks or helping organize events, their dedication has never gone unnoticed. In the words of one unknown band poet:

They are the sweetheart roses on all walks of lifeThe glue between order and chaos and strife.

As always, the Oriental Band reminded everyone that in a fraternity of fezzes and fellowship, music remains a bridge—between brothers, between communities, and between generations.

So if you ever hear a sudden burst of percussion and laughter coming from the parade route, it might just be the Al Shamal Oriental Band, still keeping time—and tradition—alive.

🎪 𝙀𝙙𝙨𝙤𝙣 “𝙏𝙤𝙡𝙡 𝘾𝙡𝙪𝙗” 𝙍𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨 𝙏𝙧𝙪𝙚 𝙁𝙤𝙧 𝙁𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙨 & 𝙁𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙤𝙬𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙥 🚧

John Hill donated the contents of his Piggy Bank to the Shrine Club!  Pictured: John Hill, Edson Shrine Club President Jack (Noble) Grulke, “Tiny” Alexander, and Michael Grulke at the Toll Gate on June 11.

The annual Toll Gate event hosted by the Edson Shrine Club rolled out once again with smooth efficiency, energetic Nobles, and a community full of generosity. Even with fewer boots on the ground than usual, the results were tremendous: $5,670.00 raised from the highway collection, plus $1,000 from the Ladies Auxiliary of the Edson Legion and $250 from the Legion itself—bringing the day’s total to a stunning $6,917.00!

🎈 Parade Highlights:The Tofield Parade was a burst of color and laughter. Nobles like “Tiny” Alexander and “Jittery” Grills clowned around with signature style, while the Motor Corps rumbled in with three bikes, two tuk-tuks, and a whole lot of horsepower. Escorting the parade? Ill. Sirs, past potentates, and classic Nobles like Bill Boots and Dale Christensen, with support from the Provost Corps and Crazy Cycle units.

🚗 Roadside Stories:

• One family brought their child’s piggy bank to donate.

• A woman turned back after giving $17.85, wanting to give even more.

• Some cars accidentally went through the wrong gate, but Noble David Halvorsen and the team kept things rolling with humor and heart.

🍔 Meanwhile, refreshments were served at the Amvetz Club, with a Nile Draw and sandwiches making the rounds.

✨ Daughters of the Nile – Installation 2005–06 ✨

An open installation ceremony for Queen Perky McCullough and the 2005–06 officers of Al Amira Temple was held on March 12th at the Ramada Hotel and Conference Centre on Kingsway.

The ceremony was attended by many distinguished guests, including Potentate Jim Robertson of Al Shamal Shriners and R.W. Brother Robert Drury of the Grand Lodge of Alberta.

Numerous members of the Daughters of the Nile participated in the event, along with Queen Perky’s family and friends from Edmonton, Calgary, Grande Prairie, Dawson Creek, and other communities. A reception followed the ceremony, and the evening was enjoyed by all.

🏵️ Elected and Appointed Officers:

• Queen – Perky McCullough

• Princess Nydia – Lillian Hornbeck

• Princess Royal – Shirley Harris

• Princess Zulieka – Barbara Thompson

• Princess Tirzah – Donna Kramer

• Princess Zenobia – Hilary Alexander

• Princess Badoura – Margery Dobson

• Princess Zora – Patricia Thachuk

• Princess Recorder – Diana Nesdoly

• Princess Zuliema – Bim Nichols

• Princess Banker – Sharon Donhou

• Princess Marshal – Frances Peacock

With grace and dedication, these ladies continued the legacy of service and sisterhood that defines the Daughters of the Nile.

🌹 Daughters of the Nile – A Season of Remembrance and Reflection 🌹

It was a sorrowful summer for Al Amira Temple, as we mourned the loss of two beloved Past Queens:

• Eileen Yuskiw, who passed on July 24th

• Lillian Landin, who passed on August 18th

Both were gracious, devoted leaders and cherished friends. They were deeply missed by all who knew them, and their legacy of service lived on in the hearts of the Daughters.

🍂 A Busy and Beautiful Fall Season

On October 15th, members came together for two well-loved events:

• The Fall Fair & Craft Sale, held in the afternoon at the Al Shamal Centre

• The Fallie Country Hoedown, a joyful evening celebration hosted by Queen Perky and the members

Additional visits took place to the Clubs in Grande Prairie, Edson, and Fort McMurray, bringing fellowship and connection to each corner of our region.

🌟 Supreme Queen’s Visit

On November 17th, Al Amira had the great honour of hosting Supreme Queen Billie Davis for her ceremonial visit. The day included:

• A Ceremonial and Banquet at the Ramada Hotel and Conference Centre (Kingsway)

• Followed by participation in Sakkara Temple’s 50th anniversary celebrations in Calgary from November 18–20

LADIES AUXILIARY - 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝟴𝟬 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲, 𝗦𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗲𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀!

The Auxiliary celebrated their 80th Anniversary, 1925–2005, in this, Alberta's centennial year! The ladies hosted a very successful “mud-hatters tea” at the Shrine Centre on April 23 with Illustrious Sir Jim and members of the Divan pouring tea. They also had many gentlemen serving the ladies and the lunch. The hats were gorgeous, zany, funny, but most of all wonderful. Many prizes were awarded, and the judges had difficult decisions to make.

They held a colossal garage sale on the first, second, and third of June at the Shrine Centre. Anyone who wished to share their ‘no longer needed’ treasures dropped them off at the Centre starting May 29… and thankfully, no one tried to donate their cousin’s bellbottoms, their ex’s gym shoes, or that mysterious half a mattress from the garage! 😄

They also marked the 10th of September for their corn roast, and everyone was invited! Families and friends were encouraged to attend. There were special events for the kids and fun for all. It began at 4 o’clock and went late into the evening as the festivities continued.

New Nobles: The Class of May 28, 2005

On May 28, 2005, a proud class of Nobles crossed the sands and joined our Temple.

Among the class of 14 new Nobles, were Fred Bowker, William Curnew, Russ Motiuk, Mahlon Weir, and Jack Yetman, who are all still wearing the fez proudly today!

💥Remembering 2005: The Year the Heartbeat of the Shrine Was Strong

Looking back from 2025, it’s clear that 2005 was a year when the heartbeat of the Shrine beat loud and strong. Across temples, parades, and clubrooms, something extraordinary happened—not just a series of successful events, but a revival of spirit, driven by four powerful principles we now recognize as the EMVP framework: Energy, Mentorship, Visibility, and Purpose.

Though we didn’t have a name for it at the time, we lived and breathed EMVP. And that year, it made all the difference.

⚡️Energy: They Lit the Flame

In 2005, Shriners showed up in full force—early mornings, long nights, and tireless weekends. From variety shows and parade floats to garage sales and ceremonial weekends, the buzz was real. The enthusiasm was palpable, and the work was joyful. Nobles weren’t going through the motions—they were driving momentum, passing it from unit to unit, club to club. The Shrine didn’t just feel alive—it felt unstoppable.

🤝Mentorship: They Reached Back as They Moved Forward

That year, mentorship wasn’t just a talking point—it was a way of life. New Nobles were welcomed in, not with formality, but with warmth. Elders took time to share knowledge, not just titles. Whether it was teaching how to set up a parade trailer or sharing stories after a Lodge meeting, 2005 was a banner year for building bridges between generations.

👁Visibility: They Made Themselves Known

2005 was a year when the Shrine turned outward. Clubs hit the streets, donned their fezzes with pride, and reminded their communities what the red hat stood for. From press coverage to packed events, Shrine visibility was at an all-time high. They weren’t just recognized—they were respected, celebrated, and remembered. Every laugh at a fundraiser, every smile at a hospital visit, told the public: the Shriners were here, and they mattered.

🎯Purpose: They Remembered Why They Started

Above all, 2005 was a year of rediscovered purpose. The mission—the children, the hospitals, the joy of service—was front and center in every meeting, every march, every handshake. Whether it was through charity donations, ceremonial moments, or simply sharing the Shrine story, Nobles anchored their work in why it mattered.

Twenty years later, 2005 still stands out.Not because it was perfect, but because it pulsed with something real. It pulsed with Energy, Mentorship, Visibility, and Purpose. The heartbeat of the Shrine that year wasn’t just strong—it was unforgettable.

And those who lived it? They didn’t just remember it. They helped shape the legacy we now carry forward.

Looking back at Al Shamal’s 2005 Shrine year through the lens of EMVP—Energy, Mentorship, Visibility, and Purpose—offers timeless insights that are just as relevant today. Here’s what we can learn and apply now:

🔥 1. Energy Isn’t About Size—It’s About Spirit

Then: In 2005, Al Shamal wasn’t the biggest temple, but it buzzed with excitement. Nobles showed up with purpose and pride—at meetings, parades, fundraisers, and socials. The calendar was full, but so were the hearts of those attending.

Now: We don’t need hundreds of members to feel alive—we need engaged ones. The key is to build momentum, not just attendance. Smaller events with real heart beat louder than large ones with low energy. Focus on energizing experiences that spark enthusiasm and make members feel like they belong.

🤝 2. Mentorship Wasn’t a Program—It Was a Culture

Then: New Nobles in 2005 were personally welcomed, coached, and included. Names were remembered, not just numbers. Officers and unit heads made time to guide, and experienced Shriners knew the value of passing on traditions.

Now: We need to rebuild that mentorship culture intentionally. Every new Noble should be paired with someone who brings them in, checks on them, and helps them discover their role. Mentorship today can include reverse mentorship, too—listening to what younger members want to contribute.

👁 3. Visibility Was Earned, Not Assumed

Then: The red jackets, bikes, clown faces, and bagpipes made a loud statement. Al Shamal units showed up at fairs, festivals, and community events—not just to be seen, but to connect. The Shrine wasn’t hiding in halls—it was waving on street corners.

Now: Visibility isn’t just about showing up—it’s about showing up meaningfully. Social media is today’s parade route. Consistent branding, storytelling, and positive public engagement are critical. Let’s take the pride they had in showing the fez and apply it to how we show the mission online.

🎯 4. Purpose Was Felt in Everything

Then: Nobles knew the ‘why’ behind the fun. Whether fundraising, driving kids to appointments, or running an event, the cause was always in the room. They didn’t just wear the fez—they honoured what it stood for.

Now: Purpose must remain front and center. Start meetings with mission moments. Tie every fundraiser to a child’s story. Purpose attracts people. It’s why they stay. In a time when people crave meaning, the Shrine can offer both purpose and brotherhood—if we lead with both.

💡 Final Reflection:

2005 wasn’t just a “great year” because things happened. It was great because people mattered, mission mattered, and it was clear what the Shrine stood for.

Let’s not just celebrate that.

Let’s reignite it!