Jack P. deVise, Historian
Part 1
To celebrate the 75th Year of Syrian Shrine, a History was written by
Noble Tom Kiphart at the suggestion of P.P. Al Porter, Potentate in 1951.
They were both members of Excelsior Lodge No. 369. The History was published
in the Shrieks of 1951 and 1952. However, only half of the History was printed.
In 1977, to celebrate the 100th Year of Syrian Shrine a book was printed
and the History updated by a group headed by P.P. Al Porter. In this issue
of the Shriek and future issues, we intend to print the entire History.
The notes added to the History are mine and will add to the information
made available to the Nobility.
Jack P. de Vise, Historian
Webmaster's note: Jerry Laine prepared this history treatise for publication
in the Shriek. He has provided me with a digital copy so that I might include
it on the Web. Jerry will keep us updated as he updates the Shriek with
new sections. Thanks Jerry.
Preface
Around the year of 1870 Cincinnati was, as it is now, a vibrant community.
As the history of Syrian Temple begins to unroll, the Cincinnati that we
first visit had just hosted The Republican National Convention. The Convention
nominated Rutherford B. Hayes, former Cincinnati City Solicitor.
In October of 1871, the dedication of The Tyler Davidson Memorial Fountain
had taken place.
Several inclined railways were opened in this period. The Mount Adams Incline,
Fairview and Price Hill to name only three.
In this decade, The Gibson House first opened. The room rate was $2 per
night.
Around early 1874 work began on the Government building which was located
on the north side of Fifth Street between Walnut and Main.
Syrian Temple had many meeting places until we purchased our property on
Taft Road.
The Shine was organized as a fun
group with members restricted to members of the Masonic Fraternity. It
soon became evident the organization could not survive on fun alone and
would not attract many of the more serious type Masons. Accordingly, early
Imperial Potentates, especially Syrian William B. Melish, insisted local
Temples engage in national and local charitable projects.
God had to have a hand in this direction. How many thousands of children
today walk because of Shrine Hospitals? Row many small bum victims have
been led back to a normal life? The number is in the many thousands.
Our own Syrian Temple has contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to
the development of our orthopedic hospitals and Shriners Burn Institutes
through labors of love.
This book is the work of many, many people. In it you will find the history
of Syrian Temple. History, however, is not built on buildings. History is
created because of the efforts of people.
Errors of omission would be that of the mind and not of the heart. For any
omission, we must only ask for your understanding. The hours spent in preparation
numbered many thousands.
To all of these people the Nobility owe a great debt of gratitude.
ORIGINAL CHARTER 1877
Looking back in the archives, over a span of seventy-five years, we find
in the year 1877 on February 6, Syrian Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles
of the Mystic Shrine, was duly constituted and came into existence under
the authority of a charter issued by the Imperial Grand Council of the United
States of America.
At that time there were only five other Temples in existence, having
been chartered in the following order:
Mecca, New York City, September 26, 1872; Damascus, Rochester, N.Y., June
6, 1875; Mt. Sinai, Montpelier, Vermont, October 31, 1876; Al Koran, Cleveland,
Ohio,
January 22, 1877; Cypress, Albany, N.Y. and Syrian, Cincinnati, Ohio, February
6, 1877.
Those named in the original charter, "Thirty-second Degree Masons and
members of the Ohio Sovereign Consistory S.F.R.S. of Cincinnati, Ohio,"
were John L. Stettinius, Charles Brown, Max J. Mack, Henry C. Urner, Apollos
M. Ross, William R. Hawes, Alex B. Houston, Samuel P. Post, N. L. Anderson,
Enoch T. Carson, Caleb Bates and Will C. Urner.
(Ed. note: Henry C. Mer was Most Wise Master of Cincinnati Chapter of Rose
Croix, 33rd Degree and Carson and Stettinius were or became Active members
of the Supreme Council, 33rd Degree, A.A.S.R.)
Through the instrumentality of Ill. Noble John L. Stettinius, they were
created Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, by communication, for the purpose of
organizing Syrian Temple, and held their first and only session in the rooms
of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Masonic Temple, in Cincinnati. The
minutes of the session were not preserved but it was learned that Nobel
Henry C. Urner was elected its first Illustrious Grand Potentate and the
Charter and Ritual placed in his keeping. For some unknown reason the interest
of the charter members lagged and for want of care and development Syrian
Temple became dormant.
As to what occurred during the reorganization of Syrian Temple in the year
1881 Noble James Alpheus Collins, Syrian's first Recorder, furnishes us
with what is apparently a complete record.
"Brother William Bromwell
Melish, the prime mover in the reorganization, in conversation with Brother
John L. Stettinius, upon the subject, learned that he was the owner and
in possession of the Charter issued to Syrian Temple in 1877 and that he
would gladly contribute it to a number of young men, conditional upon their
assuming the responsibility of reorganizing and developing the Temple in
a reputable manner. The first Illustrious Grand Potentate Henry C. Urner
was next called upon and in conformity with Noble Stettinius' request on
August 16, 1881, communicated the Order to Brother Melish and authorized
him in turn to communicate it to eleven others to be chosen by him, for
the purpose of reorganizing the Temple.
Part 2
"On November 28, 1881, Brother Melish in consultation with Brother
James Aipheus Collins (who had been frequently consulted previously and
was much interested in the cause) communicated the Order to him when they
agreed upon and selected three others, viz: Jacob Menderson, Edward Willis
Masterson and William Michie, each of whom had also been consulted in the
premises. A meeting of the five was then ordered and took place in a room
in the Gibson House on Tuesday, November 29,1881, at 4:30 o'clock P.M. when
the Order was properly communicated to the three thus selected, when all
being agreed seven others completing the required number, were selected
as follows, viz:
Frank Johnston Lcavitt, Charles Mansur Epply, Charles Henry Flach, George
Eustis, Thomas Kite, Jr., Theodore Frederick Nieman and Sherwood Bromwell
Markland and the meeting adjourned subject to call of Bro. Melish.
"A meeting of the twelve reorganizers' was called at the office of
Bro. James A. Collins, Auditor of Cincinnati Street Railway Co., Room 4,
Apollo Building, northwest comer of Fifth and Walnut Streets, for 8 o'clock
P.M., Tuesday, December 6, 1881.
Cincinnati, Nov.28, 1881 W, B. Melish, Esq. 320° and N.M.S.City
Illustrious Noble:
I hereby deputize you to act as Deputy, 1. 0. Potentate of Syrian Temple,
N.M.S., and to invest as Nobles of the Mystic Shrine the following members
of the A. A. Scottish Rite, 32°, viz: George Eustis, Jas. A. Collins,
Jacob Menderson, Wm. Michie, Theo. F. Nieman, S. B. Markland, Thos. Kite
Jr., F. J. Leavitt, C. M. Epply, E. W. Masterson and Chas. H. Flach..
You will also cause a notice to be sent to each Noble by acting Recorder,
Jas. A. Collins (after his investiture) notifying them to meet Friday, Dec.
9th at 5:30 P.M. for the purpose of reorganization and election of officers.
Fraternally in the Shrine,
Henry C. Urner, I.G.P.
"The charter having been read, the twelve joined in the obligation
and received the Order at the hands of Bro. Melish by communication. In
accordance with the order of I. G. Potentate, it was resolved to call a
meeting at the Masonic Temple for 5:30 o'clock Friday, December 9, 1881,
and the acting Recorder was ordered to notify all of the original charter
members now living and in good standing in their Masonic Bodies, to be present
and participate in the reorganization.
"A notice was mailed to ten of the original charter members and the
twelve reorganizers to attend a session of Syrian Temple in the Preparation
Room of the Scottish Rite at Masonic Temple, on Friday, December 9, 1881,
at 5:30 P.M. for the purpose of reorganization and election of officers.
"Pursuant to this call Syrian Temple of the Ancient Order of the Nobles
of the Mystic Shrine met with the following Nobles answering to their names
at roll call: William B. Melish, James A. Collins, Jacob Menderson, Edward
W. Masterson, William Michie, Frank S. Leavitt, Charles M. Epply, Charles
H. Flach, George Eustis, Thomas Kite, Jr., Theodore F. Nieman and Sherwood
B. Markland.
(Ed. Note) - Of the .12 Charter Members in 1881, 7 of them were members
of Lafayette Lodge #81 (Melish, Collins, Menderson, Michie, Flach, Nieman
and Markland) thus showing the influence of Melish. Collins was also the
Secretary on the Valley of Cincinnati A.A.S.R, and Kite became an Active
Member of the Supreme Council in 1910.
"Noble William Rockwood Hawes, one of the original charter members,
was announced as having died on the 6th day of November, 1879 Noble Will
C. Urner, another charter member, was declared ineligible to membership,
through non-affiliation with Commandery and Consistory
The election of officers to serve for the ensuing year and until their successors
were elected and installed, resulted in the following being elected: William
Bromwell Melish, III, Grand Potentate; George Eustis, III, Chief Rabban;
Charles Henry Flach, III, Asst. Rabban; Sherwood Bromwell Markland, III,
Priest and Prophet; Edward Willis Masterson, III, Oriental Guide; Thomas
Kite Jr., III, Treasurer; James AIpheus Collins, III, Recorder. Illustrious
Grand Potentate Melish, upon assuming the dignities of his high station,
made the following appointments: Jacob Menderson, First Ceremonial Master;
Theodore Frederick Nieman, Second Ceremonial Master or Standard Bearer;
William Michie, Marshall; Charles Mansur Epply, Captain of the Guard; Frank
Johnston Leavitt, Outer Guard.
The following committees were appointed, with instructions to proceed with
their duties without delay and to that end were empowered to act. On Books,
Blanks and Seal, James A. Collins; on Paraphernalia and Properties, Charles
H. Flach, Theodore F. Nieman and William Michie; on Rooms for meeting purposes,
William B. Melish, Frank J. Leavitt and Edward W. Masterson; on Badges and
Designs for same, Jacob Menderson; to draft a suitable Code of By-laws for
the government of the Syrian Temple, James A. Collins, Thomas Kite Jr. and
Jacob Menderson.
The committee on By-laws was instructed to engraft in their report the second
Friday of each month as the stated meetings of this Temple It was resolved:
"That the fee for the Order to be charged by this Temple shall be Twenty-five
dollars ($25.00)."
The words made immortal by the late President of the United States, James
Abram Garfield, 14°, "God Reigns" were adopted as the motto
of Syrian Temple.
Part 3
At a special meeting held December 30, 1881, in the office of the Recorder,
the committee on Badges and Designs for same, reported that it had been
in correspondence with Noble William S. Paterson, III. Grand Recorder of
the Imperial Grand Council, upon the subject, whose response seemed to indicate
that "God Reigns" could not be translated, literally into Arabic;
but that "Allah Te Hally" (Most High God) was sufficiently accurate
to meet our requirements.
The Recorder stated that he is now In correspondence with a noted linguist,
Prof. W. 0. Sprout of the University of Cincinnati and expected his translation
at an early date. The "Paterson translation" was, on motion adopted,
conditional upon its coinciding with the "Sproul translation",
otherwise the latter to bc adopted and the Recorder authorized to have the
same engraved.
Syrian Temple, N.M.S., met January 13, 1882, in stated session in the Preparation
Room of the A. A. Scottish Rite, Masonic Temple, northeast corner of Third
and Walnut Streets.
The Recorder announced that he was in receipt of translation of our motto
from Prof. W. 0. Sprout, being that Arabic words "Allah Malaka"
= "God Reigns." The translation was on motion adopted as official
and the Recorder directed to have the motto in the Arabic characters engraved
without delay.
According to the records, Noble Henry Clay Urner was the Potentate during
that period of dormancy from 1877 to the latter part of 1381, when the reorganization
took place and Noble William Bromwell Melish was elected Potentate. He served
for seventeen years and was succeeded by Noble Eugene Levassor Lewis, who
served for eight years. From
1906 to 1930 Syrian Temple had thirteen Potentates, each serving two years
with the exception of Noble Henry L. Korb, who served only for the year
1910. Noble Frederick L. Hoffman was elected Potentate in 1931, serving
that year only and being the first Potentate to decline reelection, thus
breaking an old tradition and establishing a precedent which has not since
been broken by Potentates, each serving only one year.
The first By-laws of our Temple designated the Potentate as "Grand
Potentate." Noble John Longworth Stettinius was enrolled as a life
member, as a mark of esteem and in acknowledgement of our appreciation of
favors shown Syrian Temple and the Recorder was directed to communicate
this action to Noble Stettinius enclosing a Life Member Certificate properly
executed.
If one had any doubt that this is an Arabic Order he would surely be convinced
by reading the date-line of the meetings as written by the Recorder of those
days . . . this is an example . . Second Hour of Nahar el Gouman, the 22nd
day of Rabih ul Awwal 1299 of the Hejra - corespondent to 8 o'clock P.M.
Friday, the 10th day of February 1882, E. V. Meeting was held in the Cathedral
of the Scottish Rite.
(Ed Note) - The Cathedral of the Scottish Rite was on the 4th floor of the
Third Masonic Temple at 3rd and Walnut.
That they got what they wanted those days, is attested by the following
minute: "It being desired to secure the services of Thomas J. Melish
as organist in our work and he being in waiting in the vestibule, the unanimous
consent of the Temple was granted and he was introduced, duly obligated
and received the Order
(Ed Note) - Thomas J Melish was an ordained minister and the father of William
B. Melish. He was a Past Master of Milford Lodge No.54, who then affiliated
with Lafayette Lodge No. 81, and was crowned a 33° Degree Mason in 1893.
Noble Enoch Terry Carson, 33°, was unanimously enrolled as a Life Member
of Syrian Temple as a mark of esteem and the Recorder directed to furnish
a certificate thereof.
Yes, Nobles, the Shriners liked to eat in those days and the record says
"Bids for banquet to be served following the Ceremonial on February
24, 1882, amounts to $80.00 for forty to sixty plates."
In those early days in the Shrine, when one signed his name to minutes and
other communications the highest Masonic grade was added to the name, thus
320 or K.T.
First Ceremonial Syrian's first Ceremonial was held in the Cathedral of
the A. A. Scottish Rite,
Masonic Temple, on February 24, 1882. Twelve "Poor weary sons of the
desert were in full ceremonial form introduced into the dome of our Temple
and duly created Nobles of the Mystic Shrine and enrolled as members in
Syrian Temple, amidst the illuminations, bursts of music, chanting, recitations
and etc., peculiar to the occasion."
The work having been concluded all adjourned to the Banquet Hall where the
traditional feast was served in splendid style by Keppler Bros. and washed
down by the choicest wine. Our number being augmented at a late hour by
III. Noble William J. Florence (the Comedian) who introduced the Order into
the United States, made the occasion one not soon to be forgotten. We quote:
"The Temple was closed at a late hour."
Even in the beginning of the Shrine, when there were but two Temples in
Ohio, there was the problem of jurisdictional lines, as shown by a communication
from III. Samuel Briggs, Grand Potentate of Al Koran Temple of Cleveland,
Ohio, and Deputy for Ohio, and read at the meeting of March 2, 1832, from
which we quote: "There is one thing that we must agree to, at once,
for our mutual advantage and that is territorial jurisdiction - and another
point - that no new bodies shall be formed in the State without our mutual
consent. There is no better time to do this, than now, and I would suggest
the following division of territory by counties (88 in State):
Allen, Ashland, Ashtabula, Auglaize, Carroll,Columbiana, Coshocton, Cuyahoga,
Crawford, Defiance, Erie, Fulton, Geauga, Hancock, Hardin, Henry, Holmes,
Huron, Jefferson, Knox, Lake, Lorain, Lucas, Mahoning, Marion, Medina, Mercer,
Morrow, Ottawa, Paulding, Portage, Putnam, Richland, Sandusky, Seneca, Stark,
Summit, Trumbull, Tuscarawas, Van Wert, Wayne, Williams, Wood, Wyandot,
balance of counties in Southern 3urisdicn<on. Again, now that we have
two temples in State, let each give the other, through their respective
Recorders, at least ten days notice of candidates proposed, elected and
rejected, that 'fl0 interloper or spy may intrude', etc."
That is the way the State was divided.
Part 4
EARLY PILGRIMAGES
The membership of Syrian Temple, as of December 3I., 1881, numbered twelve
charter members plus twelve created during the year. One deceased and one
lapsed for a total membership of twenty-two.
Syrian's Second Ceremonial was held March 10, 1982, with fourteen candidates
and the Third Ceremonial was held April 14, 1882, with ten candidates.
The Shriners of those days held their membership very highly and a Shriner
never appeared at a Ceremonial Session unless he wore a full dress suit,
with Shrine Fez, even a Tuxedo was not acceptable.
At the Imperial Council session, held June 7, 1882, in the Masonic Hall,
New York, N.Y., announcement was made as to a newly revised and perfected
Ritual, jointly undertaken and produced under the auspices of the then four
active working Temples, namely, Mecca, Al Koran, Syrian and Moslem,
The first three Temples were fully equipped, and each exemplifying the Order
in the most approved manner, a condition that it was hoped that Moslem would
soon be able to duplicate. It was, however, regret-filly added that eleven
other duly Chartered Temples were seemingly quite content to simply confer
the Order, and refrain from any further effort beyond that.
On November 10, 1882, Syrian Temple assumed the actual expenses of six applicants
from Indianapolis, Indiana, m an amount not to exceed $10.00 each, with
the understanding that those six, if pleased with the Order, will attempt
to organize a Temple in Indianapolis and that six other applicants will
follow in due time in their footsteps.
The first of many pilgrimages to other cities, within the jurisdiction,
was taken to Dayton, Ohio, on May 11, 1883, where Syrian Temple conferred
the Order on a number of candidates from Dayton and nearby towns at the
Masonic Temple.
There were annual treks arranged for Dayton and Columbus, Ohio, before Temples
were organized at these points.
A description of one of these pilgrimages would read something like this:
"The officers and many Nobles of Syrian Temple. A.A.O.N.M.S., on December
3, 1887, met at the Pennsylvania Station, corner of Pearl and Butler Streets
and took possession of Chair Car "Hebe" attached to the New York
Express. The train left the city at 8:25 A.M., standard time, and after
a two-hour run reached Xenia, Ohio, where the party was joined by seventeen
Nobles from Dayton, Ohio, members of Syrian Temple.
"A very enjoyable ride of two hours and we landed in the Union Depot
at Columbus. It was raining quite hard and so the "Camels" were
not taken out and the party marched to the Park Hotel, where arrangements
had previously been made for our reception. After a general wash-up and
wash-down, the Nobles sat down to a very tempting dinner, which was gotten
away with m true Arabic style.
"At 2:30 P.M. all proceeded to the G.A.IL Hall on North High Street,
where preparations were soon under way for the investiture of the twenty-four
candidates, who were conducted under the Sacred Dome of our Temple and created
and received as Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, members of Syrian Temple.
"The Temple was duly closed and all marched to the banquet room, where
an elegant repast was soon disposed of; toasts were proposed by the Potentate
and responded to by Noble F. R. Rehwinkle to the Grand Commandery of the
State of Ohio; Noble S. Stacker Williams, the Grand Lodge of Ohio.
"Nobles John C. Fenimore, John P. McCune and Peter Sells, Jr., responded
very feelingly for the candidates.
"After the Ceremonial the Nobles proceeded to the hotel for the night
and the whole party left Columbus on Sunday afternoon, December 4th at three
and a half o'clock and all well satisfied."
Noble Alexander B. Huston, 33°, one of the charter members, failed to
comply with resolutions of the Temple with regard to payment of charter
fee and dues and his name was stricken from the roster of Syrian Temple
at the annual meeting on December21, 1883.
On April 4, 1884 Syrian Temple subscribed on hundred dollars to the Masonic
flood Relief Committee.
Owing to pressure of other duties, Noble James A. Collins resigned as Recorder
of Syrian Temple on September 25, 1884.
(Ed Note) - Noble James Alpheus Collins was then also the Secretary of the
Scottish Rite Bodies in Cincinnati.
At the meeting on November 21, 1884 it was reported that the officers of
Syrian Temple and a number of Nobles had visited the Oasis of Indianapolis
and conferred the Order on fifteen Sons of the Desert, under the protecting
dome of Murat Temple.
Upon the invitation of Kosair Temple, N.M.S., under dispensation, of Louisville,
Ky., the officers and Nobles of Syrian Temple journeyed to Louisville, Ky.,
to confer the order under the Dome of their Temple on December 6, 1884,
that being the date of Kosair Temple's opening work.
FIRE - 1884
The year 1884 was one of disasters and Syrian Temple was not to escape the
effects. At eight o'clock on the morning of December 24, 1884, fire was
discovered in the cellar of the Masonic Temple, at the Northeast Comer Third
and Walnut Streets.
Some Nobles will remember that Masonic Temple, the five floors in the northern
portion being occupied by I. R. Mills & Co., a stationery and printing
concern. Aside from the total destruction of the Mills establishment thc
fire was confined principally to the Scottish Rite Auditorium, where Syrian
Temple had been holding its meetings. No mention of the fire is made in
the minutes of Syrian Temple but the following minutes reveal that something
unusual had occurred:
"Special meeting called by Potentate on January 9, 1885, in the parlor
of the St. James Hotel (through the courtesy of Noble A. P. Butterfield)
Lincoln Lodge #17 K.P., tendered the use of their Lodge and Drill Rooms
for Friday evening, January 16, free of charge.
"Communication from Murat Temple of Indianapolis offering 'Syrian'
Nobles shelter beneath the protecting Dome of Murat Temple and placing at
our disposal, their apartments, and etc.
"Potentate stated he had filed claim of this Temple against the Delaware
M.S. Insurance Co, amounting to $500.00 on December 28 and that draft had
been received January 6."
At the meeting on February 20, 1885, we find:
"The Committee on Robes and Paraphernalia reported that Murat Temple
of Indianapolis had offered the use of their new robes and had ordered the
manufacturer to send them direct to Cincinnati as soon as finished.
"A vote of thanks was tendered Murat Temple for their kind offer and
the same was conveyed through the Recorder under seal of the Temple."
Reading these minutes one would surmise that Syrian Temple had lost its
robes and paraphernalia in the fire.
For some months Syrian Temple roamed around from place to place, holding
a special Ceremonial Session at Robinson's Opera House, n.e.c. Ninth and
Plum Streets on February 27, 1885, and the Annual Meeting for that year
was held in Room 4, Hotel Emery.
The meetings of January 9, 1886; February 12, 1886 were held in Parlor A,
Burnet House and the Ceremonial on February 26, 1886 was held at the Odd
Fellows Hall, n.e.c. Fourth and Home Streets, as was the business meeting
on April 23, 1886.
Part 5
NEW HOME
Then, after several meetings held in Parlor A, Burnet House, meeting
of April 13, 1887 was held in the Cathedral of the Scottish Rite, w.s.Broadway
above Fourth, which was to be Syrian's meeting place for many years.
(Ed Note) The disastrous fire of 1884 destroyed the robes, scenery, paraphernalia,
curtains, decorations, rare pictures and the Charters of the 4 bodies of
the Scottish Rite. The Rite never returned to the Third Masonic Temple although
it was repaired and put back to use. The Scottish Rite then purchased the
Seventh Presbyterian Church in 188S for S35, 000.00.
Again, we meet the unusual as we read in the record that the Annual Meeting
and a Ceremonial were held the same evening on December 16, 1887. Imperial
Potentate, III. Samuel Briggs of Cleveland, Ohio, was present but owing
to delay in reaching the Cathedral did not participate in the ceremonies
as was expected and it was moved and seconded that the rules be suspended
and the Recorder cast a ballot for the present corps of officers, which
was done.
Ceremonials of Syrian Temple, which are usually held in the Spring and Fall,
are always gala occasions and usually carry along in the following manner:
"A clamorous alarm being heard from towards the desert, a trusty slave
was dispatched to ascertain the cause and having returned, announced that
the following sons of the desert, weary of the hot sands and scorching rays
of the sun, now seek the cooling fount and welcome shade under the refreshing
dome of our Temple.
"In accordance with their prayer, they were introduced into our Temple,
made to undergo and submit to the usual ceremonies and tests and were finally
admitted into the Nobility and enrolled as members of Syrian Temple. Upon
closing the Temple the visitors, candidates and members repaired to the
spacious banquet hall of the Scottish Rite, where the usual refreshments
awaited them and the balance of the evening passed quickly."
A new home was in the offing for Syrian Temple, when on March 14, 1889,
Potentate William B. Melish and Recorder Edward C. Harding were empowered
to execute a lease of five years (with privilege of renewal for five years)
for the room adjoining the Commandery Armory, on the second floor of rear
building of the Scottish Rite Cathedral, and a committee consisting of Potentate
William B. Melish and Nobles William Michie, Joseph Kirkup, J. W. Cotteral
Jr. and Jacob Menderson was appointed to fit up and finish the new quarters.
This new home of Syrian Temple, the "Kaaba," was thrown open for
the inspection of the Nobles following the Ceremonial Banquet on April 27,
1889. Many were the praises bestowed upon it and also upon the good judgment
and taste displayed by the committee having in charge the furnishing and
all united in pronouncing it perfect in every detail.
On September 2, 1889, Imperial Potentate Samuel Briggs communicated the
following request:
"Please send me, over seal of your Temple, waiver of 30 days notice
and consent of Syrian Temple for the establishment of Alhambra Temple of
Chattanooga, Tenn."
This request was readily granted.
Noble R. R. Rickly, the President of the Columbus Shrine Club, wrote Potentate
Melish on November 2, 1889, pleading:
"The ardent desire of the Nobles of Columbus Club, that you visit this
Oasis on Saturday, December 7th, with the Official Divan and Working Corps
of Syrian Temple. We will furnish the sinews of war and as many tender and
juicy victims as you may desire. Please send me some blank petitions and
any instructions you may wish to give. I have engaged a hall for the 7th
subject to your approval. Peace and Harmony abideth in the tents of the
faithful."
MELISH IMIPERIAL
POTENTATE
At the meeting on September 30, 1892, Noble Charles H. Fisk, Assistant Rabban,
and one of the representatives of Syrian Temple to the Imperial Council
meeting at Omaha, August 15, 1892, gave a short report on the proceedings
of the Council and announced to the Nobility' that he considered the Imperial
Council had honored itself, as well as Syrian Temple, by the unanimous election
of III. William B. Melish as Imperial Potentate for North America, also
that it had voted to hold its next annual session in Cincinnati June 13
and 14, 1893.
This flattering news called forth the following resolution:
Whereas Syrian Temple learns with sincere pleasure that the Imperial Council
of the A.A.O.N.M.S. has honored the Oasis of Cincinnati by selecting it
as the meeting place of said Imperial Council for its Annual Session on
June 13 and 14, 1893, therefore be it RESOLVED: That a Committee of Arrangements
be appointed by the first three officers of Syrian Temple. Said Committee
to consist of forty-five members of the Temple and that said Committee,
when organized shall have full power to act on behalf of Syrian Temple and
to provide entertainment for the Imperial Council and all Nobles of the
Mystic Shrine who shall honor as with their presence on the occasion of
the Annual Session of 1893.
RESOLVED: Further, that said committee shall issue an invitation to all
Temples of the Order, wherever located, to attend said Annual Session in
a body or to send representatives from said Temple and accept the good cheer
and hospitality of Syrian Temple, and the City of Cincinnati.
The Potentate announced, at the meeting of October 15, 1892, the Committee
of Arrangements for Meeting of the Imperial Council June,
1893 - Charles H. Fiasco, Burr W. Blair, Jacob H. Bramble, W. H. Burner,
A. P. Butterfield, Charles Edgar Brown, W. H. Bucher, John E.
Bruce, James A. Collins, B. P.
Critchell, W. B. Carpenter, Joseph W. Cotteral Jr., B. F. Clark, Howard
Douglas, Joseph E. Durrell, George R. Eversole, Charles H. Flach, L. C.
Goodale, Ed. C. Harding, W. H. Harrison, W S. Hale, George A. Howard, Joseph
Kirkup, Lee R. Keck, Eugene L. Lewis, T. Elwood Livezay,
Charles E. Logan, Harvey M. Little, Jacob Menderson, William Michie, Charles
B. Melish, D. B. Martin, James Pettibone, Oliver L. Perin, L. A. Querner,
W A. Sorin, William B. Shattuc, Harry J. Snider, Ed. T. Sprague, W. P. Walker
Jr., W. P. Wiltsee, W. R. Avery, H. H. Tatem, John Swasey, S. P. Sands.
The reception and feast held by Syrian Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine,
on the afternoon and evening of October 29, 1892, was without parallel for
grandeur and elaborateness. This reception was tendered to Noble William
B. Melisb, Potentate of the Temple, in honor of his election to the exalted
position of Imperial Potentate of the Order for North America, and to Murat
Temple of Indianapolis, the members of which came here to repay a visit
of Syrian Temple.
Part 6
MURAT TEMPLE VISIT 1892
The celebration consisted of a grand parade, the initiation of a class of
candidates and the traditional feast
About 2:30 o'clock the Nobles of Syrian's Reception Committee began to arrive
at the Grand Hotel and by 3:00 o'clock the entire committee of
100 had assembled in the spacious lobby. They were all attired in dress
suits and wore the Arabic red fez. From the hotel four of the committee
Nobles E. T. Sprague, D. C. Shears,
D. B. Martin and W. B. Shattuc) proceeded to the Grand Central Depot, where
they awaited the arrival of the Indianapolis special bearing the Nobles
of Murat Temple. When the cars came to a halt and the Indianapolis Shriners,
nearly one hundred in number, alighted, a look of disappointment appeared
on their faces. They had been promised a warm welcome and expected to see
at least fifty of Syrian's Nobles at the depot to receive them. The little
committee of four hurried up to them, gave them the Shriners' greeting and
grip, and requested them to form in line to proceed to the hotel. The visiting
Nobles each wore a big white silk ribbon on his coat lapel, bearing the
significant inscription "Murat Eats Salt with Syrian, October 29, 1892."
They marched two abreast, each one carrying a valise and overcoat, up the
depot stairs and across Third Street to the entrance of the Grand Hotel.
Here the second surprise was in store for them. Stationed at the head of
the stairs on the Third Street side of the hotel, were the First Regiment
Band and the one hundred members of Syrian Temple's Reception Committee.
As the first of the visiting Nobles appeared at the head of the stairs,
the band struck up "The Darkey's Dream" and instantly the air
was rent with the enthusiastic cheers of the Reception Committee. As the
visitors marched down the wide corridor the enthusiasm was increased by
the band changing to "The Campbells Are Coming." The band and
Syrian's Nobles fell in behind the visitors and all marched out to the spacious
lobby to the air of "Way Down Upon The Suwanee River" and then
marched around the lobby twice to the enlivening music of the "Virginia
Reel." The band then took its station at the west side of the lobby
and gave a concert, while the visitors registered and got acquainted with
the Nobles of Syrian Temple.
While the visitors were shown to their rooms and changed their traveling
apparel for dress suits, the Reception Committee assembled in the reading
room, where the chairman Noble E. T. Sprague was lifted upon the table and
gave the directions for marching to the Scottish Rite Cathedral.
When the visiting Nobles had again assembled on the floor of the lobby and
were busily chatting a big camel was led into the lobby by a side door.
His appearance created no end of merriment and was greeted with loud cheering.
The Nobles gathered around the historic beast of the desert and thought
it was a great joke to have it there. The committee wanted one of the Shriners
to ride the camel along Fourth Street but all were reluctant.
Finally, Noble W. M. Davis, the
Superintendent of the Cincinnati Omnibus Company, consented to risk the
hazardous ride. The beast was taken outside, a stepladder was procured and
in the presence of hundreds of amused spectators, Davis mounted the animal,
which gave an angry grunt as he did so.
"You're a goner!" "He'll throw
you!" and similar expressions filled the air. "I bet I'll hold
him if he jumps over the top of a house", sang out Noble Davis, who
was loudly applauded.
When everything was ready the unique procession started east on Fourth Street.
At the head marched Sergeant Corbin with a squad of eight police walking
abreast of each other and taking up the entire width of the street.
Next came the First Regiment Band, under the leadership of Drum-Major George
Smith. The camel with Noble Davis on it walked behind the band. It was covered
with a long red blanket and a tall tri-colored plume adorned its head, The
beast was led by Louis Schmidt of the Zoo. Schmidt was dressed in a genuine
Arab costume - red fez and tassel, blue waistcoat and vest, with shining
nickel buttons, and the loose-fitting baggy red trousers of the Turks. Noble
Davis had on a dress suit and fez and held aloft in his hand a coil of thick
rope which he waved at the crowds of spectators along the route.
The Shriners presented a fine appearance attired in their dress suits with
their conspicuous white shirt fronts, badges and fezes. They marched four
abreast, two visiting Nobles in the middle, with a Syrian Noble on each
side. There were about two hundred of them in line and the procession was
over a square long, It moved east on Fourth to Vine, north to Fifth, east
to Walnut, south to Fourth, east to Broadway and north to the Scottish Rite
Cathedral.
Along the line of march the sidewalks were lined with people and every window
was filled with curious spectators. Ladies and girls waved their kerchiefs
and men and boys cheered as the Nobles marched along.
At the Scottish Rite Cathedral, hundreds of Shriners were in waiting. The
Imperial Potentate, Wm. B. Melish, and other officers of Syrian Temple were
standing on the Cathedral steps, the cynosure of all eyes, wearing tong,
rich, royal robes and crowns, the uniforms in which they confer the degrees.
They were so eager to see the parade that they rushed out to the pavement
without waiting to change their dress. The police stood aside and the band,
followed by the Nobles, marched into the Cathedral, which was gorgeously
decorated with flowers and most brilliantly illuminated with myriads of
electric lights, which studded the walls and ceiling. Here the visiting
Nobles were officially welcomed by the Imperial Potentate and the Nobility
of Syrian Temple. Then the secret work of conferring the Ancient Arabic
Order of the Mystic Shrine on fifty-four candidates was begun. The work
of conferring the degrees was performed in the presence of five hundred
Shriners in a most interesting and impressive manner by the following corps
of officers: Wm. B. Melish, Potentate; Wm. S Hale, Chief Rabban; Charles
H. Fisk, Assistant Rabban; S. B. Markland, Priest and Prophet; Joseph Kirkup,
Oriental Guide; Edward C. Harding, Recorder; Thomas Kite, Treasurer and
a number of subordinate officers. At 8 o'clock the five hundred Shriners
present formed a line and marched upstairs to the great banquet hall on
the third floor.
The banquet hall was beautifully adorned with floral festoons, which covered
the walls and ceiling, and was illuminated with hundreds of electric lights,
all furnished through the courtesy of Noble Charles Fleischmann.
Part7
MELISH HONORDED BY
SYRIAN SHRINE
OCTOBER, 1892
The table of honor, at the center of which sat Imperial Potentate Wm. B.
Melish, extended along the entire length of the north wall. Nine other tables
extended out from this in a perpendicular manner, all the way across the
room. These ten festal tables were laden with all the delicacies of the
season. In the southeast corner of the room was stationed Weber's Band,
which discoursed enlivening strains of music during the feast.
Caterer Lew Moore, the former chef of the Gibson House, served the banquet
and it was perfect in every detail. The delicate viands were served by seventy-five
colored waiters. When the guests were all seated the Potentate requested
the Nobles to remove their fezes and arise while Rev. T. J. Melish, Grand
Prelate of the Ohio Masons, invoked the Divine Blessing. The banquet then
began and lasted several hours.
Imperial Potentate, Wm. B. Melish, presided as toastmaster in his own inimitable
witty and graceful manner. The responses were all brilliant and witty. The
programme follows:
"The Imperial Council":
Illustrious Noble John T. Brush, Imperial High Priest and Prophet Of Indianapolis
"Our Visitors":
Rev. Noble A. F, Blake
"Murat Temple":
Illustrious John Holtzman, Murat
Temple
"From the Oases of the Effete East":
Rev. Noble Edwin T. Small "Fresh from the Desert":
Noble J. Milt Blair (a candidate)
"The New Camel Tenders":
Noble F. W. Hendley, M.D.
(a candidate)
"Presentation From a Daughter of
Osiriss to the Sons of Osiris":
Noble John Swasey, Syrian Temple
The chief feature of the evening was the seventh toast. It was both comical
and serious and showed the high esteem in which Imperial Potentate, Wm.
B. Melish, was held by the members of Syrian Temple, over which he had presided
since its reorganization, some thirteen years previous. It began with the
appearance of eight colored young men, dressed in Arabic costumes, who danced
into the room singing a plantation song. They were received with a storm
of applause by the jolly feasters.
Following them entered the Committee on Arrangements -Nobles William Michie,
John Swasey, Edward C. Harding, Edward T. Sprague and George T. Sterritt
- carrying a long coffin covered with a black shroud. Their faces were grave
and serious and instantly a death-like silence took the place of boisterous
feasting. With measured step and serious mien, the funeral cortege wended
its way down the central aisle to the place where Imperial Potentate Wm.
B. Melish sat. Here the pallbearers stopped and deposited their coffin on
a bier. Noble Swasey then began his response to the toast. He addressed
himself to Imperial Potentate Win. B, Melish, requesting him to rise. He
told him of the high regard in which Syrian Temple held him for his good
fellowship, noble nature his oratorical skill and his inestimable services
to the Temple.
"In this coffin," he said, "are the treasures that come from
the hearts that thou hast pleased." With this the speaker removed the
shroud and raised the lid of the coffin near the head, an took out a large
gallon bottle of fine old wine and a silver loving cup with three handles,
which held a half gallon. On the bottle was a comical likeness of Imperial
Potentate Melish in Shrine costume and beneath it was the word "Imperial'
referring both to the wine and his exalted position as Imperial Potentate.
The loving cup was filled with wine and passed around the room to be drank
from by the Nobles present.
The bottle and solid silver cup were then presented to the Imperial Potentate
as a slight token of appreciation. He was visibly affected by this show
of love and after regaining his composure responded in an eloquent manner,
thanking Syrian Temple for this great compliment and assuring the Nobles
of his regard for them. After he had finished speaking and the applause
and cheering of the jovial Nobles had died out, Noble Swasey again began
to speak of Syrian Temple's regard for its Potentate and wound up by again
raising the coffin lid and taking out of the coffin a solid silver tea,
coffee and water set of thirteen pieces - up to that time the most magnificent
and costly present of the kind ever given in Cincinnati. Each piece bore
the inscription:
To Imperial Potentate
Wm. B. Melish
From Syrian Temple
Cincinnati, October 29, 1892
Noble Swasey also informed the Imperial Potentate that he need not fear
of having these valuable pieces of silver stolen from him, as when he would
arrive home he would find there a fife- and burglar-proof safe in which
to place them. After this a magnificent hall clock, with Westminster Chimes,
was also brought in and presented to Imperial Potentate Melish. He was too
much overcome with feelings of gratitude to do more than merely express
his thanks
The value of the presents was said to be $3,000.00. The festivities were
kept up until a late hour.
Syrian Temple had a membership of 783 on December 31, 1892.
Potentate Melish called a meeting of Syrian Temple for January 11, 1893,
at twelve o'clock noon in his office, 181 Walnut Street, for the purpose
of balloting upon a number of candidates for the Columbus meeting, January
14th . The following were present: III W. B. Melish, Ed C. Harding, Charles
E. Brown, H. T. Loomis, P. W. Newhall, E. T. Sprague and a number of others
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