Recorder’s Annual Report
for the year 2007
Illustrious Potentate, Illustrious Sirs, Nobles all:
The election of officers for the year 2007 was held on December 4, 2006 with the following results:
Potentate: Wally Vigil
Chief Rabban: William ”Bill” Broughall
Assistant Rabban: Lonnie Hedrick
High Priest and Prophet: Ray St. John
Oriental Guide: Duane Crapser
Treasurer: Lawrence Bennett
Recorder: John Blumenthal
These officers were installed on Saturday, January 6, 2007 along with the following appointed officers:
1st Ceremonial Master: Rey Sandoval
2nd Ceremonial Master: Bruce Cass
Capitan of the Guard: Joe Shelton
Outer Guard: James Stephenson
Marshal: Roger Lewis
Chaplain: George Hunsaker
Director: Lance Hale
The reception that followed was well attended and the year was off and running. “007 Bonding Together For Our Children” was Potentate Wally Vigil’s motto for the year and Membership was his goal. These items were successfully pursued throughout the year.
2007 started off with the Potentate Wally and his lady Sue accompanied by 12 Shriners and their ladies going to the Shrine East/West football game, on January 19 through the 21, in Houston, Texas
The Shrine Circus was held at Tingley Coliseum on February 9 through the 11, 2007 and the result was approximately $167,000.00 for the General Fund of the Temple.
On February 17, 2007 the Shrine Center sponsored a Sweetheart Ball and a good time was had by all that attended.
The April Vidalia Onion Sales brought in an additional $20,000.00 thanks to the help of the Nobility and their Ladies.
May 9th through the 12th was the Western Shrine Association (WSA) session in Reno, Nevada. The Potentate and his lady were accompanied by 3 Shriners and their ladies.
The Los Compadres Golf Tournament and Auction was held on May 20 and 21, 2007 and netted $12,710.00. A good time was had by all of those who took part in this event.
Imperial was held in Anaheim, California, on July 2 through the 8, 2007. Once again, Ballut Abyad was well represented by 4 Imperial Delegates, 1 Hospital Delegate, 5 Nobles and their ladies. Disneyland will never be the same again.
On August 21 and 22, 2007 the Potentate and 4 members of the Divan attended “Divan Day” at the Los Angles Hospital. This was an impressive experience to be remembered for those who went.
On September 8, 2007 Ballut Abyad was well represented in the State Fair Parade by our Units and Clubs, we received awards and the spectators applauded us all along the Parade Route.
On November 4,2007 the Potentate and His Lady and 38 Nobles, their wives and friends departed for a 12 day cruise of the Mediterranean. A great time was had by all and they returned relaxed and full of adventurous tails of this exciting trip.
It should be noted that the Cash Calendar netted $6,663.00 in 2007.
Hospital Chairman Frank Hager and his helpers directed another successful year for the Hospital Program, with the Outreach Clinics in Albuquerque and Hobbs continuing to save us large amounts of money for our Transportation Fund. The statistics are as follows:
New patients added: 32
Examined at Clinics: 255
Sent to Inter-Mountain, Salt Lake: 1
Galveston: 13
Houston: 15
Los Angeles: 109
Other Hospitals: St. Louis 1, Philadelphia 1, Chicago 1, Sacramento 6
We now have a total of 444 children in the program, with 160 of that number coming from Mexico. The total amount spent on the program this year is $ 128,000.00. Without the Outreach Clinics, the cost would be over $100,000.00 higher. Once again, thanks to the Nobility and their Ladies for supporting this program.
Membership had a high priority in 2007. Membership statistics are as follows:
Associate members--------------- 13
Regular members--------------- 1484
Total------------------------------ 1497
Creations--------------- 52
Affiliations------------
5
Restorations-----------
18
Associations-----------
1
For a gain of ------------------ 76
Nobles demitted--------
18
Nobles suspended------
78
Nobles deceased-------
65
Associate members lost
3
Total deductions---------------- 161
Net Loss for the year----------- 88
Total Membership as of December 31, 2007, (including associates) 1409
I submit The Recorder’s Annual Report for your acceptance and I so move that it be accepted.
John Blumenthal
Recorder