Letter from the Potentate

Greetings Nobles and Ladies,

Well, here it is May and the year seems to be flying by. We have installed seven new Shriners: Charles Bonifay, Jason Bonifay, Sean Brown, Floyd Cooper, Geo Pittman, Frank Cotton Jr., and Randy Brunson. Congratulations to all of our new Nobles.

The Hadji Children’s Easter Party was an awesome event. The Chairpersons, Oriental Guide Gary Sapp and Lady Debbie did an amazing job, as the outcome reflects. Even though the event was totally inside due to weather, the children enjoyed fun, games, food, and of course a visit with the Easter Bunny. Thanks to all the units, Nobles, and Ladies that helped make this such a fun time for our children.

On April 15, 2023, our Daughters of the Nile Installed officers for the new year. Nancy Oseien was crowned as the new Queen. Our congratulations to Queen Nancy and to Past Queen Christine Francis for a great year. On June 4, 2023, Daughters of the Nile is having a Bowling Tournament Fundraiser at DeLuna Lanes on Nine Mile Road.

If you would like to participate with a team of bowlers, or sponsor a lane, please contact Princess April Jordon, 850-418-2410, and let her know you are interested. Mark this date on your calendar and come out and support our Daughters of the Nile.

In April, First Lady Ella and I attended the Potentate’s Ball and festivities for Alcazar Temple in Montgomery, Alabama. While Chief Rabban Bruce Stewart and Lady Donna, with Past Potentate Carlos Baxley and Lady Karen attended the Potentate’s Ball and festivities for Morocco Shriners in Jacksonville FL. Hadji is well represented across the Southeast, and there are more Potentate’s Balls to come.

April 27-29 the Oriental Band from Hadji hosted the Southeastern Oriental Band Hoe Down. Oriental Bands from Louisiana and Tennessee were competing, and our Hadji Oriental Band put on a magnificent demonstration performance. Good job, Noble Bobby Gean and Oriental Band members.

Our Untouchables Unit provided a fun evening of music and good eating with their Cinco De Mayo on da Bayeux Crayfish Boil on Friday, May 5, 2023. Good work Nobles and Ladies of the Untouchables Unit.

The Hadji Directors’ Staff hosted the 33rd Annual Directors Staff Golf Tournament on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at Stonebrook Golf Club. Chairman Scott Thomas and his team did an excellent job.

A group of Nobles from your Hadji Divan and their Ladies, and Nobles and Ladies from the Old Spanish Trail Shrine Club attended the Hank Williams, Jr. Concert at the Wharf in Orange Beach, AL. and sold Hank’s latest CD’s. Hank Jr. donated the proceeds to Shriners Children. Our participation was organized by Past Potentate and Hospital Representative Carlos Baxley.

In July a group will be going to Charlotte, NC for Imperial Session 2023. Anyone who has not signed up, please contact me if you would like to attend.

Upcoming events:

  • August 5 – Hadji Special Event Draw Down Chaired by Director John Cheney.
  • August 19 – Ceremonial Coordinated by the Past Masters Unit for New Members and their Ladies. All Nobles and Ladies may attend. Hog Roast to follow.

As always, please check your email for updates on happenings at Hadji. If you are not receiving emails, please contact the Hadji office, 850-476-9384.

Yours In Faith,
Illustrious Sir Bobby R. Minchew
Potentate 2023

You Can Make a HUGE Impact

Donate

Volunteer