The South Atlantic Shrine Association

SASA Necrology Report for 2020-2021

SASA MEMORIAL SERVICE 2021 MYRTLE BEACH S.C.

Unfortunately every year the Black Camel takes far too many Nobles from us to that eternal heaven where the Supreme Architect of the Universe presides. For the next few minutes we will respectfully honor those Nobles that have spent their lives serving God and our great fraternity.

Let us pray. Supreme Architect of the Universe, We would reverently invoke thy blessings at this time. Today we come before you with subdued hearts. We are reflecting on our brothers that we have lost way too soon. Man born of woman is of few days and full of trouble. All would be lost but our faith is in you God. You are the alpha and the omega. You keep us steadfast and your blessings upon us will never cease. Keep us in your service Lord, Bless the Shriners Father, Bless our work. We pray that it is pleasing in your eyes. Keep us healthy and in your service almighty God. We strive to be your good and faithful servants. Amen.

For I will turn their mourning into joy, and I will comfort them, and make them rejoice from their sorrow. –Jeremiah 31:13

I would like to share a popular poem at this appropriate time. Do not stand at my grave and weep, I am not there, I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow. I am the diamond glint on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain. I am the gentle autumn rain. When you wake in the morning hush, I am the swift, uplifting rush. Of quiet birds in circling flight. I am the soft starlight at night. Do not stand at my grave and weep. I am not there, I do not sleep. Do not stand by my grave and cry. I am not there, I did not die! – by Mary Frye.

We thank Illustrious Sir Jason Hinkle for his diligence in gathering these names. I will now call the names of the SASA member-temples.

During the past year the Black Camel has called at ACCA Shrine 52 times, including 5 Past Potentates: Ill Sir Leslie L. Bradshaw, Ill Sir Boyd G. Griggs, Ill. Sir Frank B. McAllister also past SASA President. Ill. Sir William. L. Jellie, and Ill. Sir Richard B Gallier Sr.

Alee Shrine has lost 38 Nobles.

Alhambra Shrine has suffered 74 deaths including Ill. Sir L.M. Nash Sr., and Ill. Sir Stanley M. Wagner.

Amaran Shrine lost 24 Nobles including Ill. Sir Frank S. Vaughan, Ill. Sir Joe D. Teague, and Ill. Sir Connie M. Altman.

Beni Kedem has lost 49 Nobles this year, including Ill. Sir Steve Strickland.

EL Hasa has had the Black Camel call 44 times including Ill. Sir Joe Hart and Ill. Sir Robert Pigman.

Hejaz Shrine has lost 115 Nobles through death, including Ill. Sir. Gary Parsons and Ill. Sir Robert Bragg.

There has been 55 deaths at Jamil Shrine including High Priest and Prophet James Dean Strickland.

Jericho Shrine has had 36 deaths including Oriental Guide Gary Johnson.

Kazim Shrine has endured 16 deaths, including Ill. Sir James Scearce,Jr.

Kerbela Shrine has suffered 76 deaths that include Ill. Sir William L. Grisby, Ill. Sir Leonard W. Smith-Past SASA President, Ill. Sir C. Wayne Burkett-Past SASA Director General, Ill. Sir Esco L. Owens-Past Grandmaster for the state of Tennessee.

Khedive Shrine has lost 50 Nobles

Kosair Shrine has suffered the deaths of 95 Nobles.

Nemisis Shrine has had 31 deaths including Ill. Sir James W. Deem.

The Black Camel has called at Oasis Shrine 73 times.

Oleika Shrine has lost 55 Nobles including Ill. Sir Robert J. Turley and Ill. Sir Charles C. Kendrick.

Omar Shrine has experienced the loss of 94 Nobles, including Ill. Sir Jimmy G. James Jr. and Ill. Sir W.H. Beckwith

Sudan Shrine has lost 145 Nobles including six Past Potentates. Ill. Sir. Layton D. Rhew, Ill. Sir John W. VanRoekel, Ill. Sir David Matthews, Ill. Sir. J. Eley Newsome, Ill. Sir Hugh T. Hardee, and Ill. Sir Thomas W. Boyd.

Rizpah Shrine has experienced 44 deaths.

Yaarab has lost 124 Nobles including Ill. Sir Grover Karnes. Ill. Sir James Lamb. Ill. Sir J.J. Moore. Ill. Sir Stanton Zelick. Ill. Sir Rueben Kennemore. Ill. Sir. John Harp.

I believe God loves the Shriners one and all. The work we do at our hospitals is miraculous! But right now I want to speak of another reason God Loves our great Fraternity. God made us social beings. We are built by our Heavenly Father for the fellowship the Shrine provides. We are born helpless and dependent for years for others to provide us with sustenance to eat and keep us alive. For protection against the wild beasts of the field and shelter from inclimate weather. Don’t get me wrong I can spend 8 hours in a deer stand or by the water fishing in total silence and be totally fine, but dependence is one of the strongest bonds of society. We are made for a social and active life that honors God.

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: if either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken” Ecclesiastes 4:9-12.

My son never joined the blue lodge or our Shrine Association. He was a great young man who enjoyed life to the fullest. He got married and had two beautiful daughters, but one day his wife moved out and took the girls with her. We prayed about it and I told him it would all work out somehow. My only child had no fraternity, no real friends, no band of brothers that watch each others back in time of need. Someone to lean on during the hard times. At 24 years old he took his life thinking he was all alone. I truly believe that if he had joined the Lodge/Shrine he would be alive today. The fellowship and brotherhood at Shrine Temples around the world is biblical based and pleasing in the Makers eyes. There can be no doubt.

Hebrews 10: 24-25 “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching”

Let us pray: Almighty and merciful God we come to you thanking you for the lives of our brothers. We pray that as we reflect on the lives that have past, We must serve you God with all of our minds, with all of our heart, and all of our soul for whatever precious time we have left. We will keep your commandments and give you all the honor, and all the glory, and all the praise! Amen