Booklet for Newly Elected Officers 2010 - Alzafar Shrine Temple

Alzafar Shriner
Leadership Guide
Congratulations on being elected to your position of
responsibility and leadership within Alzafar. This not
only speaks well of you, but also indicates that your
organization and ultimately Alzafar has made a wise
choice and investment.
There are many responsibilities that are associated
with your new position and this booklet outlines
most of them. Please read them carefully and retain
this booklet for future reference. If you have any
questions concerning the topics covered, please
contact Protocol Chief & Noble Bill Mellon at the
Shrine Office at 496‐1625 or Email him at
bmellon6564@sbcglobal.net, he will be happy to
answer your questions.
We look forward to working with you and your
members during 2010 Shrine Year.
Yours in the Faith,
Rick Reyes
Potentate—Alzafar Shriners

Name of Unit—Club—Shrine Office Elected or Appointed
First Name (Middle Initial) Last Name Birth Day
Office Title: I.e... President, Director, Colonel, etc...
Phone No.
Where and When You Meet
Your
Appointments
Membership Chairman: First Name & Last
Circus Chairman: First Name & Last Name
Hospital Chairman: First Name & Last Name
Achbar Article: First Name & Last Name
Articles due in
Temple office
by the 15th of
the Month
Important Data:
Telephone Number to Recorder & Office Staff: 210-496-1625
Fax Number to Alzafar Office: 210-496-1815
Email for Achbar & Recorder: Alzafar@flash.net
Temple Meetings are the Second Thursday of each month.

UNIT/CLUB LEADERSHIP
SHRINE CENTER DUTIES AND
RESPONSIBILITIES
The Potentate must approve any activity,
meeting, or gathering undertaken by a unit,
club, or group associated with Alzafar Shrine. Changes to your regularly
stated meeting must require a change in you club or unit by-laws. All
changes to your by-laws must be approved by the Potentate. Please do
not embarrass the Potentate by asking for an approval at a meeting
before your membership. Please submit all changes prior to adoption. If
your club is planning a special trip apart from sanctioned parade venues
or Shrine events, please submit your request to the potentate for
approval. Approval is seldom withheld. However, managing the calendars
of almost three dozen units and clubs can be a daunting task. Your
duties are important, so are those of your colleagues and of the more
than 2000 members of Alzafar Shriners. Remember, you are an Alzafar
Shriner first!
For the calendar year 2010, we have several official and
un-official parades and annual events, contact the Recorder
for a list. If for any reason a club or unit is unable
to attend an official parade or event, they must submit a
request to be excused! Please clearly state the reason
your unit cannot participate. At the least, you, your elected officers, and
appointed staff are expected to attend all official functions. It’s all about
leadership and our image in the community. All special request exemptions
should be submitted to the Shrine Center Recorder at least 48
hours before the time and the date of the parade. Failure to attend and
not to notify the recorder will require the unit head to meet with the
Potentate in person. Any unit or club wishing to participate in any activity
other than a Shrine Official Function or Activity must first receive permission
from the Potentate. You musty request permission to go on a unit
trip cruise or function. It is not an attempt to unlawfully regulate activities
but that your event be covered by our insurance. If you do not request
permission you are subject to discipline. Please don’t be the Shriner
which caused the demise of your unit! It has happened before and there

is nothing more dreaded by a Potentate than to have to discipline a unit
for an unlawful act. Moreover, can you afford to defend yourself personally
in a multimillion dollar lawsuit? If we don't know you are not covered.
Shriners have been sued for illnesses cause acquired on cruises by units
meaning no ill will, yet subject to legal remedies by others seeking restitution.
For the most part, it is the wish of the Divan that protocol not be
strictly observed at social and/or informal occasions. However, there are
times when proper protocol is necessary, i.e., protocol when introducing
the Divan, at installations, and during formal occasions. If the head of a
unit or club is not familiar with the proper protocol, they should consult
with the Shrine Protocol Officer for further instruction. At an official visit
to Clubs and Units, the Potentate should be the last person to speak
before the benediction sending the members home. All prize drawings,
announcements, etc. should precede the Potentate.
It should also be noted that all Divan members are ex officio
members of all Shrine clubs, and units. They should be extended every
courtesy that is received by any regular member, to include receiving all
normal correspondence and notices sent to regular club and/or unit
members. Additionally, the Divan should be extended an invitation to all
meetings and social events. The invitation should include: date, time,
place, dress, cost per person, contact information, etc. Invitations should
be addressed to the Shrine Center office, in care of the Recorder. Our
Recorder will add the event to the Shrine
Center calendar and distribute the invitation
to all Divan members. Please remember the
scope of the Duties of a Divan Member. When
coupled to their civic duties the 3 dozen invitations
can be difficult to manage. Please get
your invitation in early.
All fund raising activities undertaken by unit,
club or other group/organizations associated
with Alzafar Shrine (collection of dues excluded)
must be approved by the Potentate

efore any funds are collected. Details of the activity (i.e. purpose of
the fund raising, method to be utilized, amount expected to be collected
and duration of the activity) must be submitted, in
writing, to the Potentate for approval. This includes
working or performing at events where our
Potentate has not declared it an Official Function or
Activity. Please check with the Recorder to see if
the Potentate has issued an approval. Usually in
regard to Shrine Hospital functions and collections,
this type activity will require additional
time, effort, and paperwork for processing prior to
and receiving an Imperial approval. All advertising, for any type of
function open to the public MUST be approved by the Potentate and
the appropriate General Order 1 language used on each page or copy.
All contracts, of any kind, which a unit or club wishes to enter
into must be submitted to the Potentate for review by the Alzafar Shrine
legal counsel before execution. No oral promises to
execute the contract should be made prior to the Potentate’s
approval. No unit or club may obligate Alzafar
Shriners. All assets in the Shrine Center and at
Camp Alzafar belong to Alzafar Shriners. It doesn't matter
if it was donated to a unit as no such condition exists
since units are not legal entities. A Unit , or Club purchasing
or receiving assets must recognize that the contribution is made to
the 2000+ members of Alzafar Shriners. Should the donor wish to limit the
contribution, the club or unit may not accept the contribution. Another’s
assets may not be stored at or in our property without the expressed written
permission of the Potentate or a vote by the Divan granting such permission.
All contributions made to Shriners Hospitals must be immediately
reported to the Potentate for transfer to the appropriate account of Shriners
Hospitals for Children. Shriners Hospitals for Children is a 501(c-3)
Charity. Alzafar Shriners and Shriners International are 501(c-10).
All out-of-town trips sponsored by any unit, club or other
group/organization associated with Alzafar Shriners must be approved by
the Potentate well in advance of and prior to any advertising of the
travel. The Potentate must approve details of the dates, times and destina-

tions prior to departure. Exempted from this rule are parades, hospital visits,
midwinter, TSA/Imperial competition, and other Official Functions or
Activities approved by General Order. Units and club activities shall not
schedule events on the same day as a Shrine Center function. Always
check the Shrine Center calendar to be sure your plans do not conflict with
an already scheduled Shrine Center Official Function or Activity. Make
sure you or a member of you unit submits an article to the Achbar
and/or eAchbar. Keep your members active and informed, include pictures!
Each club, unit, or organization associated with Alzafar is responsible
for maintaining a complete and detailed record of all assets, funds received,
and disbursed by the club, unit or group. Units and Clubs are prohibited
from owning property. All assets belong to Alzafar Shriners. Therefore,
all unit heads must inform the Recorder of their desire to dispose of
any significant asset and the procedure to be used in disposing of an asset.
If over $500.00, wait for approval! All financial records and transactions are
to be made available to the Divan and/or Finance Committee upon request.
Alzafar Shrine Temple (Alzafar Shriners) is a not-forprofit
unincorporated association organized under Internal
Revenue Service Section 501 c(10). Utmost care should
be taken in the handling of all financial matters. It is the
responsibility of the unit head to see that all required financial
reports are filed in a timely manner. These reports are due in the
Center office by January 30th. If you have any questions in regard to the
handling of monies or assets contact the Treasurer for a ruling. Deposit
early and do not keep cash on hand!
The assigning of personnel to officiate at unit and club installations
is the responsibility of the Potentate. Preference will be given to current
Divan members. Requests for an installing officer should be submitted to
the Potentate no later than 30 days before the installation. Should a unit or
club desire a particular individual to perform these honors, they should
make their request in writing to the Potentate.
It is the responsibility of the head of each unit or club to see that
their unit or club is represented at every ceremonial and OC meet-

ing. Failure to attend and/or not to notify the recorder at least 48 hours in
advance of the meeting, will require the unit head to meet personally with
the Potentate.
You will appoint an officer to represent you when you are
unable to attend any OC Meetings. You will also appoint a Membership
Chairman for and from your unit or club. This member will report to the
Shrine Center Membership Chairman in all matters pertaining to membership.
This is a very important individual; for it is he who will grow your unit
and it is he who will guarantee the legacy of your year at the helm. We also
ask that you appoint a Hospitals Collection Chairman who represents you
and your club to our only philanthropy “Shriners Hospitals for Children.
These important individuals can be all one and the same or you can spread
the wealth. Remember the younger members when making these appointments
.
You will also appoint a Circus Chairman who will coordinate with
the Circus Director General. This individual will report to the club or unit all
matters in regard to our principal fundraisers. You
may choose anyone you wish. However, since this
individual will be closely involved in fundraising activities,
it is recommended that you choose that
individual you reasonably expect to wear the crown
you have taken as head of your club or unit.
Choose wisely!
As soon as the unit or club head knows the date and location of
their mid-winter, the information should be made known to the Recorder of

Alzafar. This will allow the Divan ample time to plan to attend the midwinters.
Unit heads are responsible for forwarding to the Recorder a list of
all unit or club officers within forty-eight hours after their election. An updated
copy of the unit or club roster should also be sent to the Recorders
office each January. This is to enable the Recorder to update all Shrine
Center files and directories.
The badge of a Shriner is his FEZ and must be worn
at all official functions including the stated meeting.
Unless otherwise directed, if the Potentate is wearing
his fez, all Nobles should wear their fez until such
time as the Potentate removes his. A fez in never
worn in a Masonic Communication.
This Brings us to more about Protocol: It is important that we treat our
officers, past and present, with the respect they deserve. We are all Master
Masons and that ethic should prevail in all our undertakings. More
importantly, the officers who have invested their time to serve as unit
heads and the leadership for Alzafar deserve our highest regard. If you
are unable to continually and with some measure of respectful deference,
refer to our elected officers respectfully, maybe you should revisit
your Blue Lodge to re-sensitize yourself to the impotence and vitality of
the Human Spirit. Let’s all invest at the least a kind word in each other. It
is through that continuing effort, we pass to our successor the greatness
of Freemasonry and the Shrine of North America! Should you be at labor,
with your unit or club, and the Potentate enters the room as an unexpected
guest, you should immediately call the members of your club to
their feet and, unless indicated by the Potentate to continue the business
at hand, offer him the gavel. Keep him informed of your efforts and hard
work to better your club or unit. You and he are forever linked in a year
dedicated to each other and to the end, that the Children we serve in our
hospitals will have had a better life for us having elected to serve the Nobility.
From time to time we all are subject to err. As Masons and Shriners we
strive to understand our shortcomings and we fight to forgive well before
seeking a vengeful retort. It is never the intent of any member of the

Divan to regulate unduly the activities of any Shriner. However, we all are
reminded that the Divan represents the 2000+ members of Alzafar
Shriners. And, while you may have some belief that you are a stake
holder in the Shrine, that is never the case. It is not the case for the Potentate
nor the newest Noble awaiting the hot sands of the desert. We
will all conduct ourselves in a manner consistent with the conduct mandated
in our Blue Lodges. While the primary reason for the Shriner is social
in nature and the philanthropy of our Hospitals, the manner in how
we interact with each other is the same as in the Blue Lodge.
Religion and Politics. Masonry teaches us to respects everyone’s Church
and politics and it recognizes that these two subjects have caused more
anger and harm that any other subjects in the history of mankind. Therefore
please honor your church and your party but keep them to yourself.
There is not a safe place within the Shrine to forward any political agendas.
Not right, not left, nor center, good Shriners do not become bores by
spewing a philosophy that another Shriners may disagree with and more
especially within these two subjects areas. Should the conversation turn
to a political or sectarian joke or discussion, as a Shrine leader you will
immediately intercede and stop the discussion and inform the offending
Noble that Shriners respect the views of others and that our obligation
requires us to be just and upright Masons first and foremost.
INTRODUCTION
FUNDRAISING IS SERIOUS BUSINESS
Because Shriners have been the driving force behind Shriners Hospitals
for Children, it has become natural to associate the Fez with this
charity. However, the Shrine of North America and Shriners Hospitals
are separate and distinct legal corporations.
Shriners Hospitals for Children is incorporated in the state of Colorado,
and it operates 22 hospitals. Its purpose is to provide medical
care to children with disabilities without regard to race, creed, sect or
nationality. The treatment for the children is provided at no cost. This
is the Charitable corporation.
The Shrine of North America is incorporated in the state of Iowa, and
it presently has 191 unincorporated fraternal associations in Canada,
Mexico, the United States and Republic of Panama. We know them as

Shrine Temples. This is the Fraternal corporation.
A study done by Shriners International Headquarters found that
Shrine Temples conduct more than 2,000fundraising activities annually.
Many of these fundraisers are strictly for the Temples – and this
is perfectly acceptable. Other fundraising activities are for the benefit
of Shriners Hospitals for Children – and this is also perfectly acceptable.
However, the individual purchasing a ticket, product, etc., or
the donor, should be advised, in advance, how the proceeds will be
used. This pamphlet is intended to provide guidance to the Temples,
units, clubs and Nobles in their fundraising activities so there can be
no criticism directed at them that the solicitation did not conform to
the requirements of the law or was deceptive or misleading.
TYPES OF FUNDRAISERS
There are two types of Shrine fundraisers – Charitable and Fraternal.
CHARITABLE FUNDRAISERS – Where 100 percent of the net proceeds
benefit Shriners Hospitals for Children.
FRATERNAL FUNDRAISERS – Where the net proceeds benefit the
Temple, which in turn may distribute them as it sees fit. For example,
profits may be disbursed to the Temple general fund, a building fund,
to clubs and/or units, to Shriners Hospitals for Children, to local community
or Masonic related projects (DeMolay, Masonic Home, etc.) or
any combination thereof.
PROCEDURES THAT APPLY TO ALL SHRINE FUNDRAISING.
Fundraising must comply with the law of the land; that is, the law of
the jurisdiction where the activity takes place. This includes national,
state or province, and local laws.
The use of the name Shriners Hospitals is governed by §503.10 of
the bylaws of Shriners Hospitals. All fundraising is governed by General
Orders as may be issued on that subject by the Imperial Potentate.
Insurance. Your attention is particularly called to that portion of
the existing General Order #1 pertaining to insurance. Strict compliance
is required.
All contracts must be reviewed and approved by the Temple Potentate
after receiving the advice of the Temple attorney.
All fundraising promotional materials (including Temple publications)
must include a statement indicating the major entity benefited by the
funds [Statement of Purpose].

STATEMENTS OF PURPOSE
All fundraising promotional materials must contain a STATEMENT OF
PURPOSE. Below are examples for each type of fundraising activity.
FOR CHARITABLE FUNDRAISERS:
“Net proceeds from this (activity, event, etc.) are for the benefit of
Shriners Hospitals for Children.”
FOR FRATERNAL FUNDRAISERS:
“Net proceeds from this (activity, event, etc.) are for the benefit of
XYZ Temple/Unit/Shrine Club.”
DISCLOSURE (for Fraternal fundraisers) “Payments are not deductible
as charitable contributions.”
NOTE: All fraternal fundraising materials must include both the statement
of purpose and disclosure
CHARITABLE FUNDRAISERS
It should be emphasized at this point that a Noble (in his capacity as
a Shriner), a Shrine Temple/club/unit, an organization of Nobles, or
affiliated/appendant corporations SHALL NOT engage in any charitable
fundraising effort other than for the benefit of Shriners Hospitals
for Children.
When a decision is made to conduct a charitable fundraiser, the responsible
Noble (club/unit president, committee chairman, etc...)
must submit a written request to the Temple Potentate having jurisdiction
thereof. If he approves, the Potentate must then obtain the
written consent of the Imperial Potentate and Chairman of the Board
of Trustees. This request shall be sent to the Executive Vice President
– Imperial Council, Shriners International Headquarters, P.O. Box
31356, Tampa, Florida 33631-3356. Final approval for a charitable
fundraising activity is effective upon the Temple’s receipt of a Charity
Activity Form. If a request is denied by the Imperial Potentate and
Chairman of the Board of Trustees, the Temple Potentate will receive
a full explanation in writing.
One hundred percent of the net proceeds from charitable fundraisers
must be given to Shriners Hospitals for Children. Expenses for operating
the event must be actual, and no labor
charges can be made for volunteer work by Shriners and/or their

families. Under certain conditions, existing General Orders allow the
use of a portion of funds raised for the hospitals to be used for patient
transportation.
[See “Special Purpose Funds” section of General Order #1 for complete
details.]
All solicitation materials, tickets, programs and documents must include
factual information (Statement of Purpose) regarding use of the
proceeds. Information about our hospitals (obtainable from the Imperial
Public Relations Department), such as patient success stories,
facts and figures, photos or other appropriate material, may be used
in programs for charitable fundraisers.
The Temple shall report the results of each charitable fundraising activity
within 60 days of the activity to Shriners Hospitals for Children
on the Charity Activity Form provided to the Temple. A Temple that
fails to remit the net proceeds within 60 days of the activity shall be
assessed interest retroactive to the date of the activity. The Temple
shall maintain detailed financial records of all fundraising activities
involving Nobles, clubs, units, organizations of Nobles or affiliated/
appendant corporations for a period of seven years. Details of all
revenues and disbursements shall be maintained in such financial
records.
FRATERNAL FUNDRAISERS
A Noble (in his capacity as a Shriner), or a Shrine Temple/club/unit,
or an organization of Nobles or affiliated/ appendant corporations
must obtain the prior written consent of the Temple Potentate having
jurisdiction thereof before engaging in any fundraising activity.
There can be no representation, express or implied, that the proceeds
will be for the benefit of Shriners Hospitals for Children.
When the Potentate gives his written consent for a fraternal fundraising
activity, a copy of the same shall be mailed to the Executive Vice
President – Imperial Council. Further, any printed materials pertaining
to the fundraising activity shall be sent to Executive Vice President,
Imperial Council if so requested.
All promotional material, tickets, programs and documents must contain
a Statement of Purpose and Disclosure. Information about our
hospitals may be used in programs for fraternal fundraisers provided
that each contains the appropriate Statement of Purpose and Disclo-

sure.
This information must appear in a conspicuous location used lettering
bold enough to be easily read. Programs and other ‘booklet’ type materials
must include the Statement of Purpose and Disclosure on the
front cover or the first page.
The Statement of Purpose and Disclosure should also be included as a
part of each fundraising activity advertised in Temple publications.
The Temple shall maintain detailed financial records of all fundraising
activities involving Nobles, clubs, units, organizations of Nobles or
affiliated/appendant corporations for a period of seven years. Details
of all revenues and disbursements shall be maintained in such financial
records.
FURTHER INFORMATION
If you have any questions regarding the procedures for fundraising,
you are to communicate with:
Executive Vice President – Imperial Council
Shriners International Headquarters
P.O. Box 31356
Tampa, FL 33631-3356
(813) 281-0300

INTRODUCTION.
IMPERIAL PROTOCOL
PROPER DISPLAY OF NATIONAL FLAGS
It is the desire of the Imperial Potentate that each temple of this Order provide
and display at all Shrine parades, functions and meetings, the four national
flags under which Shrine temples chartered by the Imperial Council
operate (United States of America, Canada, Mexico and Panama).
It has been noted that many temples improperly display one or more of the
four national flags, primarily in parades and at meetings.
Most nations designate the position on the right as the position of honor.
International usage dictates that when flags of two or more nations are displayed
together, they should be flown from separate staffs of the same
height and should be approximately equal in size.
IN AN AUDITORIUM.
At Shrine functions and meetings, the four national flags should be displayed
in the position of honor at the potentate's or speaker's right (as he [aces the
audience). It doesn't matter whether the flags are behind, along‐side, or in
front of the speaker, on raised platform or not; they should always be to his
right. Another important point is that the flag of the country in which they
are being displayed should be on the speaker's extreme right. In Canada,
however, the law states that when there are multiple flags flown together,
the Canadian flag should occupy the central position.
AT PARADES.
When in procession, the flag of the country in which they are being paraded
should be either on the marching right, that is, the flag's own right or, if there
are a great number of other flags, it may be in front of the center of that line.
It is strongly suggested that the four national flags always be paraded side‐byside,
in front of state, provincial, or other local flags, with the flag of the country
in which they are being paraded having the position of honor on the marching
right.
Other flags which temples may wish to parade should be in a line immediately
following the four national flags in the following order, beginning on the
right: state or provincial flag; Shrine temple flag; Imperial Potentate's flag;
Past Imperial Potentate's flag; and other flags.
One of the most common violations of international flag usage is the dipping

of national flags at reviewing stands, during the playing of the national anthems
and other occasions. National flags should never be dipped to any
person or thing. However, all other flags should be dipped as a mark of honor.
IN FRONT OF SHRINE TEMPLES AND CLUB BUILDINGS.
When the four national flags are displayed in front of a Shrine temple or club
building, they should be flown from separate staffs of the same height and
the flags should be of approximately equal size. The flag of the country in
which they are being displayed should be in the position o: honor on the
extreme right, that is, a person's own right as he faces outward.
HALF STAFF.
When a nation in which the flags are displayed proclaims that its flag should be flown
at half staff, it would be improper to fly the other three flags at full staff; therefore,
the flags of the other three nations should not be flown during that period.
CORRESPONDENCE TO IMPERIAL POTENTATE
The Imperial Potentate's schedule is such as to keep him away from his home and
office for weeks at a time. For this reason, it is requested that copies of all correspondence
sent directly to him by temples and representatives be sent to the Executive
Director at international headquarters in Tampa, Florida. This practice will assure an
expeditious handling of all such correspondence.
Temples are reminded that complaints or correspondence from individual Nobles on
Imperial Council or temple matters must be handled in accordance with Article 38 of
the bylaws of The Imperial Council.
VISITATION BY IMPERIAL POTENTATE & IMPERIAL OFFICERS
The Imperial Potentate is the number one Noble of the International Shrine and must
be accorded the dignity and respect befitting his high office. Protocol dictates that
careful plans and arrangements be made prior to his visitation and completed during
his visitation.
The host temple potentate, director general, association president, or their official
representatives should be at the airport to meet the Imperial Potentate upon his arrival.
An automobile and driver must be provided who is responsible for transporting
the Imperial Potentate, his party, and luggage to the hotel. The driver should remain
available at all times.
Honor guard, color guard, or their uniformed units are often used to provide pomp
and ceremony for the Imperial Potentate's arrival. Their use is not mandatory, however.
Motorized Shrine units or official police may be used as motorized escorts from
the airport to the hotel.
A suite of rooms should be provided for the Imperial Potentate. Normal courtesies are
appreciated and should any additional information be required, please contact the
Executive Director at international headquarters.
The host temple potentate traditionally presents the Imperial Potentate and/or his
first Lady a commemorative remembrance during their visitation.

When an Imperial officer is assigned by the Imperial Potentate as his official representative.
The same protocol is followed as would be in effect for the Imperial Potentate.
All other visiting Imperial officers are afforded the utmost courtesies.
Should your temple have as a member an Imperial officer, the same courtesies should
be extended when he is invited to a function as any other visiting Imperial officer.
The Imperial Potentate's host and his assigned aide or drivers are "responsible for the
departure arrangements. These arrangements include transportation of the Imperial
Potentate, his party, and luggage to the airport. Sufficient time should be allowed so
as to assure the Imperial Potentate's arrival at the airport at least one hour prior to the
departure flight time.
ORDER OF FORMATION FOR TEMPLE AND ASSOCIATION PARADES.
Police escort.
Dignitaries other than Masonic.
Parade Marshal.
Colors, singly or massed.
Musical unit (if possible).
Director General.
Imperial Potentate or other ranking Imperial Officer present. The Imperial Potentate
will ride alone, or may invite any distinguished male guest passenger. Only the
Imperial Potentate may ride on the back of the seat of his car: All others must
remain on the seats of their cars.
Imperial officers other than the Imperial Potentate—by rank. One officer to a car and
no guests.
Past Imperial officers—by seniority rank.
Association officers (when in Association parades only).
Distinguished guests (Grand Master and heads of other Masonic
organizations).
Host temple potentate and his divan.
Visiting potentates, divans, and past potentates.
Uniformed units of host temple followed by other temples in the
order determined by the association.
(Automobiles other than antique cars requiring special display, used for the purpose of
transporting dignitaries, divan members or association officers, with the exception
of the potentate or association president, must be not less than two abreast.
The general public's interest is in parade units not automobiles. This will make the
parade more interesting to those who have come to watch it.)
SHRINE PARADE REGULATIONS.

Non‐Shriners. Other than the police escort, dignitaries, and distinguished guests, only
Shriners are permitted in Shrine parades.
Cadence. Marching cadence will be 110 steps to the minute except for specialized
units which may require a different cadence.
Interval. Intervals of not over 80 feet between temples and 40 fee between
units are to be constantly maintained.
Impersonations. No impersonations of ethnic groups, females, political figures
are allowed in parades
Vehicle equipment. No motorized vehicles shall engage their sirens, flashing lights
or colored lights. They are to use their turn indicators and items required by
law.
Safety laws. Motorcycles, scooters, and other motorized vehicles shall obey
local laws regarding speed, prudent operation and the use of hard helmets
instead of fezzes.
Throwing objects. Neither candy nor other objects shall be thrown or handed to
spectators along the parade route.
Demeaning displays. No demeaning displays, or discharge of firearms of any
type, or other items that may be considered in poor taste are permitted.
Alcoholic beverages. Members of participating units shall not drink any alcoholic
beverages before or during any parade, and they shall be circumspect in the
use of soft drinks in public places so as not to give the impression they are
drinking alcoholic beverages.
REVIEWING STAND.
At Imperial Session parades, a reviewing stand is reserved
for the exclusive use of the Imperial Potentate, imperial officers, Past
Imperial officers, and such guests as invited by the Imperial Potentate.
At the reviewing stand during Imperial parades, temple
divans will give the hand salute and will not stop to salaam. The Imperial
Potentate (or ranking Imperial officer) receives the salute. When temples
from ail Imperial officer's state or province pass in review, that officer
receives the salute of these temples along with the Imperial Potentate.
At association of temple parades, the ranking Imperial officer
along with the association president or potentate (as appropriate)
receives the salute of all temples. Other Imperial officers and association
officers will follow the same procedure as above.
At association of temple parades, the temple potentates may
leave their cars and accept the salutes of their units.
National flags. No national flag shall be lowered or dipped when passing the
Reviewing Stand or elsewhere.
Enforcement. Parade marshals shall enforce all Shrine parade regulations and

they shall report any violators to the potentate of his temple. Failure on the
part of a temple potentate to cooperate with parade marshals shall be reported
in writing.
POTENTATE RESPONSIBILITY.
Each potentate is personally responsible and accountable for knowingly permitting any
violation of parade regulations. Temple potentates are required to review parade
regulations with their temple marshal, the parade marshal, and their unit heads.
CIVIC PARADES.
1. Approval. Units that participate in non‐Shrine parades may do so only with approval
from their potentate. Should they be requested to participate in the jurisdiction
of another temple, they will also need the per‐mission of the potentate of that
temple. Practice good Shrine etiquette when marching in non‐Shrine parades and
follow the protocol set up by the host sponsor of the parade.
2. Non‐Shriners. Non‐Shriners are prohibited from participating ii Shrine units in civic
parades.
ORDER OF FORMATION FOR IMPERIAL SESSION PARADES.
Police escort.
Dignitaries other than Masonic.
Parade marshal and his aides.
Colors, singly or massed.
Musical unit.
Director General.
Automobiles of imperial officers (present and past).
Trustees of Shriners Hospitals for Crippled Children.
Masonic dignitaries.
Uniformed units of host temple. (Uniformed units of other temple in the state or
Shrine association will take their places elsewhere in the parade formation according
to their charter dates only.)
UNIFORMED UNITS OF IMPERIAL POTENTATE'S TEMPLE.
Uniformed units of all temples, except host temple, will form in order of their charter
dates, the oldest dates going first. In the night parade, the same order will be in effect
except that the uniformed units of the temple of the Imperial Potentate‐elect will immediately
follow the uniformed units of the Imperial Potentate's temple.
IMPERIAL SESSION PARADE REGULATIONS.
Shrine parade regulations. The Shrine parade regulations are to be observed and
they are supplemented by the following regulations.
INSTRUCTIONAL MEETING.

The potentate of each participating temple shall designate an officer of his temple,
and a person from each motorized unit participating in the parade, to meet with the
Parade Marshal and the Imperial Marshal prior to the day parade. The time and place
of the meeting will be announced at an appropriate time.
A number of experienced deputy parade marshals shall be provided with two‐way
radios and special transportation so that they can patrol the parade route. They shall
have authority to remove from the parade any unit which is in violation of Shrine parade
regulations or which cause a delay of the parade by failing to maintain proper
intervals.
Except with the express permission of the Imperial Potentate, no temple shall be permitted
to participate in a parade unless it has at least 50 Nobles in its parade display.
No temple shall have more than one official automobile in the parade. No empty
buses, trucks, or trailers shall participate in the parade.
No late model automobiles, other than the official automobiles, will be allowed in the
parade. This does not apply to temple units composed entirely of late model automobiles.
Temple officers. No temple officers will be permitted in the parades without their
temple uniformed units of at least 50 Nobles. Only one car shall be used by each temple.
The car is to be occupied by the potentate and divan of the temple. No more than
five temple officers, including the driver, will be permitted in a car. The temple potentate
is to remain in his vehicle and he may not mount the reviewing stand.
Number of motor vehicles. The use of large numbers of cars in smaller local communities
is understandable. However, the Imperial Session parades require no unnecessary
vehicles. These may cause an interruption of spectacular marching features for
visiting officers and divans and may add confusion and danger in the formation and
spoil the pageantry from the viewpoint of the spectators.
Floats. No floats will be permitted in the parade without the prior approval of the
Director General.
Courtesy. The purpose of Shrine parades is to afford an opportunity for all participating
temples to publicly display the pageantry and glamour of the Shrine. To effectuate
this purpose, mutual courtesy needs to be extended among all temples. Over the
years, many temples have expressed dissatisfaction over the lack of consideration by
certain participating temples and their units. Splendid marching units, and temples
with special display features, located by numerical precedence early in the parade on
the actual line of march, have executed spectacular street drills which, in themselves,
add much to the general picture, but which retard the forward movement of the parade
as a whole. As a result, many of our newer units, located far back in the line of
march, have had their forward movement repeatedly halted, experienced exasperating
delay, been required to stand in line, finished the parade weary and disgusted, and
have found themselves marching down deserted streets.
CEREMONIALS. RECEPTIONS. MEETINGS
Procedure for attendance by Imperial Officer.

Request for Imperial officers. When a temple desires the presence of one or more
Imperial officers at an activity of that temple, a written request is to be submitted to
the Imperial Potentate, with a copy to the Executive Director, detailing as much information
about the activity as possible. If the requesting temple has an Imperial officer,
it may invite him directly, without submitting a written request to the Imperial Potentate.
Official representative. Frequently the Imperial Potentate must appoint another Imperial
officer as his official representative. When this occurs, the official representative is
accorded the same protocol pattern appropriate for the Imperial Potentate.
Transportation and aide. The potentate is to provide suitable transportation from the
hotel to the place of the ceremonial, reception or meeting for all Imperial officers
(present and past). An aide for each Imperial officer, selected by the potentate, is to
be available at all times.
Receptions for Ladies.
At receptions or other functions where only Ladies are present, the Ladies of Imperial
officers follow the same order of precedence as to: Imperial officers.
Receiving Line.
At functions where a receiving line is used, the Imperial Potentate is the last one in the
order of reception, with others stationed as indicate hereafter. When Ladies are present,
they should stand with their escorts.
Introduction and Reception of Guests.
Courtesies. The Imperial Potentate and Imperial officers are to be made as comfortable
as possible and not subjected to a long standing wait for their turn to be introduced.
Dignitaries and celebrities are to be introduced to one another as well as to the
Masonic and Shrine officers.
Order of introduction and reception.
Visiting civic dignitaries and celebrities.
Grand Masters and/or other distinguished Masonic guests.
Visiting divans, past potentates, potentates, Shrine association,
and Unit association officers.
Trustees of Shriners Hospitals for Crippled Children.
Past Imperial officers (in reverse order of their seniority).
Imperial officers (in reverse order of their seniority and station).
The Imperial Potentate or his official representative. (The Nobility
will stand after 3 raps of the gavel on his introduction and reception.)
Suggested procedure for receiving Imperial Potentate.
Uniformed unit. When a uniformed unit is used in receiving the Imperial Potentate,
Imperial officers and Past Imperial officers and potentates, the unit used to form the

honor aisle is to salaam at the command of the officer in charge (military salute is prohibited).
Escort. The escort appointed by the potentate to introduce the Imperial Potentate, or
his official representative, walks at the left of the Imperial Potentate and, upon reaching
the point on the floor from where the introduction is to be made, salaams the potentate
and makes such remarks as he deems proper, and concludes by saying:
"Illustrious Potentate, I have the honor of presenting the Imperial Potentate (or title of
official representative) of the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine
for North America, Imperial Sir of Temple, of (city) (state or province)."
"Illustrious Potentate, I have the honor of presenting Imperial Sir of Temple of
(city) (state ) 'or title of official representative) of the Shrine of North
America."
The potentate will then respond: "You will conduct the Imperial Potentate (or title of
official representative) to the East."
The potentate gives welcoming remarks and concludes by saying:
"Nobles, I have the honor of presenting the Imperial Potentate (or title of official representative)
of the Shrine of North America, Imperial Sir "
The gavel is then presented to the Imperial Potentate (or official representative), who
thanks the potentate, seats the audience, and returns the gavel to the Potentate.
Address. The only address is made by the Imperial Potentate (or official representative).
While his address must be the last speech of the event, all other normal business,
or activities may take place after the address. The address should be placed at a
time in the program when it will reach the largest possible audience.
Seating at banquet.
Temple. The potentate should personally escort the Imperial Potentate to the banquet
table. The Imperial Potentate should be seated at the immediate right of the potentate.
When Ladies are present at banquets, the Imperial Potentate should be seated at
the right of the potentate; the Imperial Potentate's Lady at the left of the potentate;
the potentate's Lady at the right of the Imperial Potentate; with the other Imperial
officers and Past Imperial officers seated with their Ladies alternately at the right and
left of the central group. The Imperial Potentate at his discretion may invite others to
sit at the table. In the event no other Imperial officer is present, the officers of the
local divan should be seated according to seniority. Place cards should be provided to
expedite seating. Many years of experience have proven that it is wisest to design a
seating chart ahead of time so that any changes can be charted easily.
Association. At Shrine association banquets, the Shrine association president will take
the place of the potentate, as listed above, and the other officers of the Shrine association,
and their Ladies, will follow by rank, immediately after Imperial officers.
Unit or Club. At a temple unit or Shrine club banquet or any function where protocol
seating is required, follow the same procedure listed in the preceding paragraphs except
that the president and his Lady should have priority seating. The potentate should
be seated at the immediate right of the president, etc. If an Imperial officer is present,

he should be seated at the immediate right of the president and the potentate on the
left.
Master of Ceremonies. When the master of ceremonies is not an officer of the temple,
association, club or unit holding the function, and would not normally be seated at the
head table, he may either be seated at the furthest end of the head table or at a table
close to the head table so he may perform his duties without undue delay.
Seating at Ceremonials and Business Meetings.
The Imperial Potentate should be seated at the immediate right of the potentate; the
Chief Rabban at the left of the potentate; the assistant Rabban at the right of the Imperial
Potentate; the high priest and prophet at the left of the Chief Rabban; and the
other officers of the divan seated alternately at the right and left of the central group.
When other Imperial officers or Past Imperial officers are present, they should be
seated beginning at the immediate left of the potentate according to rank in the Imperial
divan, to be followed by the Past Imperial Potentates, alternately at the right and
left of the central group. When all of the officers of the Imperial divan are present, the
Imperial officers should occupy seats in front of the temple divan, seated alternately at
the right and left of the potentate of the local temple.
Questions on Seating.
Should you have any questions on seating please telephone or write to the Executive
Director at international headquarters in Tampa, Florida.
Shrine Association Protocol.
Since The Imperial Council is the parent organization over all temples and Shrine associations,
there is only one protocol procedure that can be followed by a Shrine association
and that is the protocol procedure as adopted by The Imperial Council. Officers of
Shrine associations will participate in this protocol procedure.
At any meeting of a Shrine association at which no Imperial officer is in attendance the
Association officers will be ranked in accord as Imperial officers will be accorded precedence.
When an association requests the attendance of one or more Imperial officers at an
activity of the association, a written request should be sent to the Imperial Potentate,
with a copy to the Executive Director at international headquarters, with the details of
the activity.
In accordance with protocol, Shrine association officers will occupy position number
10 in association and temple parades and position number 3 in "Introduction and Reception
of Guests.”
In Shrine association parades, temple units will form in the order determined by the
association.
Visitation to Shrine Clubs or Temple Units.
It is to be remembered that Shrine clubs and temple units are under the control of the
proper temple potentate. Any invitation to an Imperial officer or Shrine association
officer, not a member of the club or unit, must have the prior written consent of the

temple potentate.
DRESS
The Fez.
The Imperial Council has adopted the fez as the exclusive type of head covering to be
worn by all Nobles of the Mystic Shrine when appearing as such. This means all Nobles
must wear their fezzes at stated meetings, ceremonials, Shrine parades, caravans,
special Shrine events, and other Shrine‐related activities.
The fez is never worn at a Masonic lodge communication or meeting.
Al non‐Shrine functions where an Imperial officer is representing The Imperial Council,
or a temple officer is representing a Shrine temple, he may wear his fez. However,
other Shriners in attendance are not to wear their fezzes.
As a Noble, you are particularly admonished never to wear your fez in any company or
place in which you would decline to introduce your mother, wife, sister, or daughter.
Never forget this.
No other person is ever allowed to wear a Noble's fez.
The fez is not a display case or bulletin board. The Imperial Chaplain, potentates, divan
members, past potentates, and Grand Masters may have their titles embroidered in
small letters in gold or silver bullion, silk or rhinestone jewels on one line beneath the
emblem on the fez. Active members of official uniformed units or official clubs of a
temple may likewise have the names of their units or clubs on one line beneath the
emblem on the fez. Any official appointee of an Imperial Potentate or potentate may
have his title beneath the emblem as above for the term of his appointment.
The fez shall be worn in its proper shape without crushing, creasing or alteration; and
no device, ornament, title, wording or adornment other than allowed by Article 13 of
the bylaws of The Imperial Council shall be permitted. Not more than two pins or
clasps, without supplemental embellishments, may be used to secure the tassel in
place.
It is advisable that temples adopt a procedure whereby all fezzes are ordered through
the office of the temple recorder. This will assure the purchase of proper fezzes, as
many Nobles are unaware of the legal restrictions.
Shrine Pins.
A Shrine pin should be worn on the left lapel of a suit coat or jacket. Every Noble is
encouraged to wear his Shrine pin when so attired. It proudly identifies him as a
Shriner to other Nobles, to Freemasons, and to the general public. A Shrine pin may be
worn at non‐Shrine events as well as Shrine events.
SALAAMS AND SALUTATIONS
Salaam.
A Noble addressing the potentate while he is presiding in the East should always give
the salaam. The potentate gives the sign of the Order in return and does not salaam.

The potentate and his divan should always salaam when receiving the Imperial Potentate
or any other Imperial officer. The imperial officer gives the sign of the Order in
return and does not salaam.
The salaam is given by the leader of a uniformed unit that is performing for the potentate,
and the potentate gives the sign of the Order in return. No other unit member
salaams.
As an Imperial officer or temple potentate proceeds through an honor guard, only the
first rank on either side of the aisle salaam in unison. The remainder of the honor
guard stands at attention. The imperial officer and temple potentate may or may not
be escorted through the honor guard, depending upon the pleasure of either. The
escort is always to the left of the officer.
Salutation.
An imperial officer and all Past Imperial officers are always addressed "Imperial Sir". A
potentate or past potentate is always addressed "Illustrious Sir.” The prefix "past"
should not be used when addressing a Past Imperial Potentate or past temple potentate.
Members of the elective divan of a temple are addressed by the title of their
office, or "Noble.”
A Noble, when making a salutation at a Shrine meeting with an Imperial officer in attendance,
should do so in the following manner: "Imperial Sir, Illustrious sirs, members
of the divan and Nobles.”

BY LAWS
ALZAFAR
SHRINERS
SAN
ANTONIO
TEXAS

Article I
Name & Title
Section 1. Name
The name of the order shall be Alzafar Shriners by virtue of a Charter
granted July 13, 1916, by the Imperial Council A.A.O.N.M.S., an
Iowa Corporation. Alzafar is a word of ancient Arabic origin meaning
Victory.
Imperial Amend 2002
Section 2. Location
It shall be located in the Oasis of San Antonio in the Desert of
Texas.
Section 3. Allegiance
It shall be a subordinate Temple of the Imperial Council of the Ancient
Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine for North America,
a corporation duly organized and existing under and by virtue of
the laws of the State of Iowa, as evidenced by its Charter issued July
13, 1916, and shall ever be subject to the Articles of Incorporation;
By-Laws, Orders, and Edicts of the Imperial Council and/or the Imperial
Potentate thereof.
Section 4. Jurisdiction
It shall exercise such territorial jurisdiction within the boundaries of
the State of Texas as has been or may be hereafter granted to it by
the Imperial Council.
Section 5. Seal
It shall adopt and have a seal, bearing its name and location to-wit,
Alzafar Shriners, San Antonio, Texas; and an Impression and facsimile
of same shall be deposited with the Imperial Recorder in accordance
with Shrine Law.
Imperial Amend 2002

Section 6. Flag
It shall have and display a Flag of the Order of the size, color, and
wording as provided in Shrine Law.
Section 7. Ritual
The ritual of the Order shall be that promulgated by the Imperial
Council. No alterations or additions shall be made to the Ritual except
by the Imperial Council.
Section 8. Emblems
The emblems of the Order are the Crescent, Scimitar, Pyramid,
Sphinx Head, Panther-bodied Female Sphinx, Urn, Sun, Moon, and
Stars.
Section 9. Fez
The exclusive head covering of the Order shall be the red Turkish
fez with a black tassel.
The name of the Temple, together with a facsimile of a Scimitar and
that portion of the jewel of the Order consisting of the Crescent,
Sphinx head, and Star, shall be embroidered on the fez with gold or
silver bullion or silk.
(b) The Potentate, Past Potentates, Recorder, and Divan members
may have their titles embroidered in small letters in gold or silver
bullion or silk beneath the emblem on the fez. Active members of
official uniformed units or official clubs of a Temple may likewise have
names of their unit beneath the emblem on the fez.
(c) The embroidery on the fez may be adorned with rhinestone
jewels of a size no larger than those officially recognized by the Imperial
Council as number 12. Not more than two pins may be used to
hold the tassel in place.
(d) The fez shall be worn in its proper shape without crushing,
creasing, or alteration; and no device, ornament, title, wording, or
adornment other than that permitted by this section may be used on
the fez. The fez may be worn only at meetings and gatherings of

Nobles held under the authority of the Order. It may not be worn
when or where prohibited by the Imperial Potentate.
Article II
OBJECT
The object of Alzafar Shriners shall be to exemplify, propagate,
and disseminate Shrinedom in all its attributes throughout its jurisdiction
and to instill the tenets thereof in the hearts of mankind.
Section 1. Petitions
Article III
Membership
Members shall be elected upon petition submitted upon the form
and in the manner prescribed by the Imperial Council.
Section 2. Prerequisite for Membership
The Temple may not accept a petition for a candidate nor retain
anyone as a member unless he is in good standing as a Master Mason
of a lodge recognized by or in amity with the Conference of Grand
Masters of North America. The Temple may not add to or take from
the qualifications for membership in the Temple as fixed by the Bylaws
of the Imperial Council.
Imperial Amend. 2000
Section 3. Residence
(a) A petitioner must be an actual resident for at least 6 months in
the jurisdiction of the Temple, provided, however, that the Temple
may receive and act upon the petition of one whose residence is not
within the jurisdiction of another Temple.
(b) Actual residence is defined as the place where the applicant in
good faith makes his home.
(c) Any member of the Armed Forces or of the Diplomatic Service of

the United States, Canada, or Mexico, stationed within the jurisdiction
of this Temple may submit his petition and upon election may be initiated
and become a member of this Temple without reference to his
actual place of residence.
Section 4. Balloting
(a) Subsequent to a report on a candidate’s petition, the ballot shall
be passed; and if less than 3 black balls appear, he is elected.
(b) If the ballot reveals 4 or more black balls the candidate is rejected.
If the ballot reveals 3 black balls, another ballot is passed immediately.
If 3 black balls appear a second time, the candidate is rejected.
(c) A written objection, signed by at least 3 members of the Temple
in good standing, presented to the Potentate or the Recorder prior to
the balloting, has the same effect as an adverse ballot.
(d) After the balloting is completed and the candidate is declared
elected and notified, no objection made to him thereafter may be
considered unless ordered by a vote of the Temple.
(e) A rejected candidate may not apply again for 13 weeks.
Section 5. Initiation
The Temple shall initiate or obligate all candidates at a Stated Meeting
or Ceremonial Session unless a special dispensation is obtained
from the Imperial Potentate.
Section 6. Associate Membership
Any Noble may apply for membership by affiliation in a Second
Temple and if accepted by the second, thereafter hold associate
membership subject to the provision or Article 323.7 of the By-Laws
of the Imperial Council.
Section 7. Termination of Membership
Membership in the Temple may be terminated by:

(a) Voluntary demission upon payment of all indebtedness to the
Temple; or
(b) Suspension for nonpayment of dues; or
(c) Suspension for other causes; or
(d) Expulsion; or
(e) Death
Section 8. Demits and Suspensions
(a) Demits
(1) A demit certifies that at the time of its issue the Noble named
therein was (i) in good standing (ii) free from charges, and (iii) free
from indebtedness, assessments, and voluntary obligations to the
Temple.
(2) The Temple shall not withhold a demit from a Noble applying
for it if he qualifies under Subsection (a)(l).
(3) The Temple may issue a duplicate demit to a Noble upon application
thereof.
(4) A demit may be issued by the Potentate and Recorder of the
Temple between stated meetings of the Temple. A record of each demit
so issued shall be made and shall be reported to the Temple at its
next succeeding stated meeting.
(5) A demit, when granted, is effective for all purposes as of the
date of the filing of the written application thereof with the Recorder
of the Temple.
(b) Suspension for Non-Payment of Dues
(1) The Temple shall not carry a member on the books who is
more than two years in arrears. The Temple must either suspend him
or remit his dues.
(2) Whenever adopted, any order of suspension shall be effective
as of December 31 of the last year of the delinquency.
(3) A Noble may be suspended for non-payment of dues in the
following manner:
(i) He must be notified by fist class mail that he is in arrears;

(ii) He must be given an opportunity to be heard;
(iii) He must be admitted to the Temple for this purpose even
though he is in arrears; and
(iv) A majority of members present at a stated meeting must
vote to suspend him.
(4) One who has been suspended for non-payment of dues may
be restored in the following manner:
(i) Written application for reinstatement must be made, accompanied
by written evidence that he is in good standing in his prerequisite
body.
(ii) Without a vote of the Temple upon terms authorized by the
Temple; and
(iii) Restoration must be reported to the Temple at its next
stated meeting and recorded in the minutes.
Section 9. Retention of Membership
(a) In order to retain membership in a Temple, a Noble must maintain
the requirements of Section 323.3 of the Imperial Council By-
Laws.
(b) If a Noble loses membership in the prerequisite body and for any
cause, except as hereinafter provided, he loses his membership in his
Temple until restored to good standing by the prerequisite body.
Whereupon he is restored to good standing in his Temple without the
vote of his Temple. He may not be charged with dues to the Temple
while deprived of membership.
Imperial Amend 2000
(c) The acquisition of membership in another prerequisite body, subsequent
to his loss of membership in his Temple, does not restore
him to good standing in the Temple, but he may be restored ballot
Pursuant to Section 323.5 of the Imperial Council By-laws.
(d) If a Noble loses his membership in a prerequisite body for any
reason other than nonpayment of dues, the loss of membership in his
Temple is effective when it becomes final in the prerequisite body.
(e) The Temple must honor an official written notice from a prerequisite
Masonic body concerning the loss of membership in that body by

a member of the Temple. Suspension from the Temple is subject to
the provisions of Paragraph 323.1 (b)(1)(2) and (3).
Imperial Amend 2000
Section 10. Initiation Fee
A candidate for initiation shall be required to pay an initiation fee of
not less than $50.00 which shall be paid in full prior to initiation and
no part of which may be rebated or refunded in whole or in part either
in money or material. If after paying same, he shall fail
to present himself for initiation, the same shall be refunded to him
upon demand. Amend 2001
Section 11. Dues
(a) The annual dues of the Temple shall be $50.00 per annum payable
in advance on or before January 1, of each year.
Amend. 1989
(b) The Temple Board of Directors is authorized to remit the dues of
a member for good cause upon the recommendation of a committee
appointed for the purpose of inquiring into the question.
Amend 2001
(c) A Noble may purchase a Life Membership in the Temple for a cash
sum equal to 20 times the annual dues, payable in advance, and
upon receipt thereof the Recorder shall issue a Life Membership Certificate
to the member. In order to retain a life membership in the
Temple, a Noble must meet the requirements of Section 2 above and
Section 12 below.
(d) The sum of $5.00 per year for each member on the rolls of Alzafar
Temple, shall be transferred from the Alzafar Shrine, Dues
Temple portion, to a reserve fund held in trust, and used solely and
exclusively for structural maintenance, renovation, remodeling, and
repair of the Alzafar Shrine Temple Buildings and improvements of
properties. Expenditures from the Building and Maintenance Reserve
Fund other than normal maintenance and repairs that become necessary
will be presented to the Nobility at a regular Stated Meeting for
approval.
(e) A Life Membership in the Temple may be granted by the Board of
Directors to a member after he has been in good standing in the
Shrine for a period of not less than 50 years. In order to retain Life

Membership in the Temple, a member must meet the prerequisite
requirements as established by the Bylaws of the Imperial Council.
Add 2001
Section 12. Hospital Assessment
(a) The annual levy for the Hospitals shall be as determined by the
Imperial Council, payable in advance before January 1st each year by
all members, including:
(1) Candidates received during the year;
(2) Life members; and
(3) Members reinstated or affiliated.
(b) The hospital levy is a trust fund, and the Temple shall place it in
a separate account and remit it to the Imperial Recorder as provided
in the By-Laws of the Imperial Council.
(c) A member may purchase a permanent contributing membership
in the Hospitals upon the payment of a sum determined by the Imperial
Council and shall receive a certificate therefore from the Recorder.
The Recorder shall enter the exemption on his records and
thereafter the member shall be exempt from all future hospital levies.
All sums received by the Recorder for Permanent Contributing Memberships
and voluntary permanent subscriptions in the Hospitals shall
be forthwith remitted by the Recorder to the Imperial Recorder.
Section 13. Dues Cards
Upon the payment of his annual dues, hospital levy, and assessments,
if any, each member shall be issued a Shrine Card for the current
year in accordance with the provisions of the By-Laws of the Imperial
Council.
Section 14. Temple Assessments
(a) No assessment may be levied except in strict accordance with
Imperial Council Bylaws Section 332.7.
(b) Imperial Approval. If the temple is contemplating an assessment
it must first submit the proposal to the Imperial Potentate requesting
his approval. The Imperial Potentate shall receive the advice of the

chairman of the Jurisprudence and Laws Committee and the chairman
of the Finance and Audit Committee prior to the issuance of his
decision.
(c) Temple Approval. If the temple receives the written approval of
the Imperial Potentate it may levy the assessment on its members,
including life members, if specifically provided, for purposes general
to the membership by resolution adopted at a stated meeting of the
temple, if it is approved by 2/3rds of the members present and voting
and in the following manner:
(1) At least one week’s notice in writing shall be given to the
membership stating the amount of the proposed assessment and the
time and place when action will be taken.
(2) Upon the adoption of the resolution, there must be sent to
the Imperial Recorder (i) 3 copies thereof together with a certificate
of its adoption signed by the Potentate, attested by the Recorder with
the seal of the temple affixed, (ii) a copy of the notice, and (iii) a
copy of the temple's bylaws.
(When applying for Imperial approval, use Certificate at page 91,
Form #14).
(3) The Imperial Recorder shall send them forthwith to the Committee
on Jurisprudence and Laws, If the committee reports that the
assessment has been adopted in accordance with Imperial Council
Bylaws, the resolution is so endorsed. One copy is retained by the
committee, and 2 copies are returned to the Imperial Recorder who
shall retain one copy for the records of The Imperial Council and forward
the other copy to the temple.
(d) Effective Date. Upon approval, and report of proper adoption by
the Committee on Jurisprudence and Laws, the assessment is binding
on all temple members as of the date of passage of the temple resolution
levying the assessment and must be paid as dues are paid or
as provided in the resolution.
Imperial Amend 2003
(e) A dues card may not be issued to a member if his annual dues,
hospital levy, assessments, or any voluntary obligation, or any part
thereof, are unpaid for the current year unless he is exempt from the
payment thereof.
Section 15. Affiliation

Any Noble holding a valid demit from this or any other Temple of
the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine may affiliate
with this Temple upon the presentation of such demit and a petition
for affiliation upon the form prescribed by the Imperial Council
and the payment of dues prescribed in Section 11, above, provided
that he meets the requirement outlined in Section 2 and 3 and is
elected as outlined in Section 4 above.
Section 16. Honorary Members
(a) Honorary membership may be conferred by the Temple upon any
Noble as a compliment by a majority vote, but this membership confers
no rights or privileges.
(b) The issuance of annual membership cards to honorary members
is prohibited.
Section 1. Officers
(a) The officers of the Temple are:
ARTICLE IV
Officers
Potentate………………………………………… Shayk
Chief Rabban…………………………………… Emeer
Assistant Rabban…………………………………Sahib
High Priest and Prophet…………………………..Iman
Oriental Guide…………………………………….Ayn
Treasurer………………………………………Chayzin
Recorder………………………………………….Katib
First Ceremonial Master…………………………Wakil
Second Ceremonial Master………………………Alam
Director………………………………………….Malah
Marshal…………………………………………..Amal
Captain of the Guard……………………………..Rays
Outer Guard……………………………………...Hafiz

No person may hold more than one of the foregoing offices at the
same time.
Section 2. Elective Divan
The Potentate, Chief Rabban, Assistant Rabban, High Priest and
Prophet, Oriental Guide, Treasurer, and Recorder shall be elected annually
by ballot and shall constitute the official Divan of the Temple.
Section 3. Appointive Officers
The First Ceremonial Master, Second Ceremonial Master, Director,
Marshal, Captain of the Guard, and Outer Guard shall be appointed
annually by the Potentate.
Section 4. Election
(a) The officers named in Section 2 above shall be elected at the
regular stated meeting of the Temple held on the second Thursday in
December. Election shall be by separate written ballot and by a majority
vote of those present and voting. A blanket ballot is prohibited.
Balloting shall commence not later than 9 o’clock p.m.; when that
hour arrives, all other business shall cease and none other shall be
transacted until the election is concluded. All candidates for office,
including the office of Imperial Representative, must be placed in
nomination from the floor.
Amend 2000 & Imperial 2001
(b) The following shall govern the election of Imperial Representatives:
(1) All candidates must be balloted for on one written ballot.
(2) Each member voting must vote only for the total number
Representatives to be elected; otherwise his ballot cannot be counted
as a vote.
(3) A majority vote of members present and voting is necessary
to elect each Representative.
(4) Only those candidates who receive a majority vote shall be
declared elected.

(5) Successive written ballots must then be taken in the same
manner on other candidates until all Representatives are elected.
(6) If more candidates receive a majority vote than the number
of Representatives to be elected, then those receiving the greatest
number of votes shall be declared elected.
(7) Blank ballots are not votes.
(c) Leadership Search Committee. The Board of Directors may appoint
a committee consisting of not more than five (5) Nobles to
study the qualifications of possible candidates for elective office in the
Temple. This committee may report their findings to the Board of
Directors and/or the Temple members in the form of a nomination at
a Temple election. This committee may also consult with the Chief
Rabban on his appointments if so requested.
Imperial add 2001
Section 5. Election Regulations
(a) The printing, publication, circulating, or distribution of resolutions,
letters, telegrams, tickets, emails or other devices, by a Noble, suggesting,
recommending, opposing or containing the names of proposed
candidates for office in the Temple is prohibited.
(b) The expenditure of money for gifts, favors for entertainment on
behalf of candidates for office is prohibited.
(c) Any Noble violating sub-section (a) and/or (b) above is subject to
suspension, and the election may be voided and a new election ordered
in accordance with Shrine Law.
(d) At least two (2) weeks prior to any election the Recorder shall
mail to each member a notice thereof containing the provisions prescribed
by Shrine Law.
Section 6. Postponement of Election
If it should be impossible, for any cause to hold the annual election
at the time and place specified above, request for special dispensation
for change of date and/or place shall be submitted to the Imperial
Potentate in accordance with the By-Laws of the Imperial Council.

Section 7. Vacancies
If any officer or Representative dies, resigns, moves and resides
permanently outside the jurisdiction of the Imperial Council, is suspended,
is expelled or is adjudged mentally incompetent, or is convicted
of a felony or of any criminal offense involving moral turpitude,
the respective office shall become vacant.
Section 8. Filling Vacancies
(a) A special election may be held without a dispensation to fill a vacancy
in an elective office.
(b) If the vacant office is an elected Representative and time is not
sufficient to call a special election, the Potentate shall appoint a Representative,
and notice of the appointment shall be sent to the Imperial
Recorder in accordance with Shrine Law.
(c) Any vacancy that may occur by the promotion of any officer at
any special election may also be filled at that election.
(d) Vacancies in appointive office shall be filled by the Potentate.
(e) No member can be compelled to accept an election or appointment
to office.
(f) The results of any election or appointment shall be reported forthwith
to the Imperial Recorder.
Section 9. Oath of Office, Form of
The officers of the Temple must take the following obligation before
entering upon the discharge of their respective duties:
“I (name in full) do solemnly promise and vow that I will faithfully,
and to the best of my ability, discharge the duties of the office to
which I have been elected, and that I will strictly conform to the requirements
of Shrine Law and the By-Laws of my Temple.”
Section 10. Potentate Ordinances

Previous to the enthronement of the Potentate he must affirmatively
assent to the following ordinances:
Do you solemnly vow, upon your honor:
That you will exert your best endeavors to promote the true happiness
of your brother Nobles of the Mystic Shrine?
That you will endeavor to promote the general good of the Order
and observe the solemnity of the ceremonies with profound respect
and reverence?
That you will not acknowledge or have intercourse with any Temple
which does not work under constitutional authority as recognized by
the Imperial Council?
That you will ever maintain and support the authority of the Imperial
Council, and enforce obedience to Shrine Law?
Do you submit to all these ordinances and promise to observe and
practice them faithfully?
Section 11. Administration of Oath of Office
(a) During the January Stated Meeting, the officers elected at the
December Meeting shall be installed in the body of the Temple, properly
guarded, in accordance with the ceremony of Installation prepared
by the Imperial Council. Immediately thereafter they shall assume
the duties of their respective offices.
Amend. 2000
(b) Prior to the next succeeding meeting of the Temple the officers
may be publicly installed unless the Illustrious Potentate elects to
dispense with the public installation.
Section 12. Potentate’s Duties
(a) The Potentate shall be responsible to the Imperial Council for the
government of the Temple. It is his duty to:
(1) Require that the Temple, its officers, and members at all
times observe Shrine Law and the By-Laws of the Temple.
(2) Appoint the Temple Officers and the Committees to be ap-

pointed.
(3) Require that accurate records are kept and just accounts rendered.
(4) Require that regular returns are made to the Imperial Council
and that candidate fees, annual per capita taxes, hospital levies, and
assessments are promptly paid.
(5) Require that stated meetings are held as herein provided.
(b) A Noble may not serve as Potentate of this Temple for more than
two years.
Section 13. Chief Rabban’s Duties
(a) In addition to his other duties, the Chief Rabban, in conjunction
with the Board of Directors, must prepare and complete the Temple
budget for the ensuing year in time for sub-mission at the Temple
meeting at which the budget is approved.
Imperial amend 2000
(b) After the Temple has voted to send one or more of its units to an
Imperial Council Session or a Shrine Association meeting to be held
during the next ensuing year, the Chief Rabban shall have the authority
to make contracts for transportation and lodging; provided,
however, that such contracts must contain any limits or conditions
required by the Temple.
(c) If the office of Potentate becomes vacant for any reason, the
Chief Rabban shall act as Potentate until a special election is held and
the office is thereby filled.
Section 14. Recorder’s Duties
(a) It is the duty of the Recorder to:
(1) Keep accurate minutes of the proceedings of the Temple.
(2) Issue notice to the members of each meeting.
(3) Keep a just and true account with each member of the Temple.
(4) Present his books and papers to the Finance Committee and/

or the auditor whenever required.
(5) Keep a Register of the members of the Temple showing the
name, age, occupation, date of creation, and address of each member
and any withdrawal, death, suspension, or expulsion, as the case
may be.
(6) Furnish his facsimile signature to the Imperial Recorder.
(7) With the consent of the Board of Directors, hire and terminate
employees or independent contractors for the Temple. Additionally,
a majority of the Board of Directors also may hire and terminate
employees and contractors for the Temple
Amend. 1991 and Imperial Amend 2000
(8) At the annual meeting render a complete report of the finances,
investments, membership, and other matters of interest in
which his office is concerned.
(9) Before February 1st of each year, transmit to the Imperial
Recorder, in the form prescribed, the annual returns for the Temple
in accordance with Shrine Law.
(10) Remit to the Imperial Recorder the per capita dues in the
amounts and at the times prescribed by Shrine Law.
(11) Remit a Diploma fee for every initiate, immediately after the
initiation, to the Imperial Recorder in the amount prescribed by
Shrine Law.
(12) Issue official Shrine Cards to members entitled to the same.
(13) Affix the official seal of the Temple to and attest official
documents.
(14) Report and submit as required by section 332.3 (b), (d), (g)
and (i) and 332.4 & 332.5 (b) and (c) of The Imperial Council By-
Laws.
(15) Receive all funds accruing to the Temple and promptly deposit
them to the credit of the Temple in an approved depository.
(16) Keep the books of account and records of the Temple.
(17) Carefully preserve and file his memoranda of payment of
obligations of the Temple.
(18) Draw checks, vouchers, or orders for the payment of obliga-

tions of the Temple, any sums due the Imperial Council, or other authorized
disbursements.
(19) Report the amount of all funds received and disbursements
thereof as often as the Temple or the Potentate may require.
(20) Submit to the members of the Temple at each annual meeting
a complete report of the receipts and disbursements for the preceding
fiscal year.
(21) Keep the budget control records.
Section 15. Treasurer’s Duties
It is the duty of the Treasurer to:
(a) Act as custodian of all funds.
(b) The Treasurer will normally sign all checks for the withdrawal of
funds, however, if he is unavailable and checks are required for Temple
business, checks may be signed by two of the following officers of
the board of Directors: The Potentate, Chief Rabban, Assistant Rabban
or Recorder.
Amend 2001
(c) Examine as often as necessary the financial records and books of
account of the Temple.
(d) When requested at any meeting of the Finance Committee or of
the Temple, give a financial report of the income and expenditures of
the Temple since the last report.
(e) Prepare from books and records of the Temple and submit at its
annual meeting the following information:
(1) An annual statement of the financial condition of the Temple;
(2) An annual operating statement; and
(3) Any other or supplementary report or statement necessary
to disclose the true financial condition, the nature and current value
of the assets, the operating results, the income and sources thereof
of the Temple and any affiliated subsidiary or appendant corporation
or fund.

(f) Present his books and papers to the auditor whenever required.
(g) May invest funds in his custody as directed by the finance committee.
Section 16. Other Officers’ Duties
The remaining officers shall perform the duties appropriate to their
several stations and those assigned to them by the Potentate, the
Temple or these By-Laws.
Section 17. Delivery of Temple Records
Each officer shall deliver all books, papers, and other property of
the Temple in his hands to his successor in office or to such person
and at such time as the Temple may direct.
Section 18. Board of Directors
Imperial Amend 2000
(a) The Board of Directors shall consist of the Elected Divan of Alzafar
Temple as listed in Article IV, Section 2. The Board of Directors will
also serve as the Trustees for Alzafar Temple.
(b) Three directors constitute a quorum of the board
(c) The Board of Directors shall meet at the call of the potentate, who
shall be its chairman. He must call the meeting when requested by
three directors. Meetings may be conducted in person or by telephone
or by others means of communications by which all parties
may be connected and all comments and conclusions as well as the
vote on any resolution may be heard and observed by all members
present.
(d) The Recorder shall give not less than three days written notice to
each director of the time and place of the meeting. Notice may be
waived in writing prior to or subsequent to such meeting.
(e) The Chief Rabban, in conjunction with the Board of Directors,
shall prepare and complete the proposed Temple budget for the ensuing
year. The Board of Directors shall:
(1) Report or cause to be reported to the appropriate stated

meeting of the Temple any proposals for amendments to or departures
from the budgets and the reasons therefore, and
(2) Cause copies of the complete budget for the succeeding year
to be made available upon request to each member at least seven
days prior to the meeting at which it is to be considered. The proposed
budget shall be in detail and in accordance with the Uniform
Chart of Accounts prescribed by the Imperial Council together with
the amount budgeted for the preceding year.
(f) The legal title to all of the property, real and personal, belonging
to the Temple shall be vested in the Board of Directors, to be held in
Trust, managed and controlled by them, for the use and benefit of
the Temple.
(g) No real property may be sold, and no lien may be placed on the
real property of the Temple, without the recommendation of the majority
of the Directors, and with a majority vote of the Temple at a
regular stated meeting. A resolution authorizing the sale of the property,
or any portion thereof, must be made at a regular stated meeting.
The same shall be laid over to the next stated meeting or to a
special meeting called for action thereon.
The notice of the meeting at which the vote is taken must be sent to
every member of the Temple at least seven (7) days prior to such
meeting, and must recite the text or substance of the proposed action.
(h) Any conveyance and/or mortgage papers shall be executed by
each member of the Board of Directors, and shall be attested by the
recorder of the Temple, under the seal of the Temple.
(i) Except as herein provided, said Board of Directors/Trustees shall
have and possess all of the powers and duties granted and imposed
on Trustees by the Texas Trust Act and amendments thereto, as set
forth in the Revised Statutes of the State of Texas.
(j) Unauthorized Acts: Except as specifically provided by the bylaws
of The Imperial Council, or the Temple, or resolution of the Board of
Directors ratified by the Temple, no Unit, Shrine Club, group of persons,
or person has the authority, express or implied, to act as the
agent of, to act on behalf of, or by its acts or omissions to obligate or
bind the Temple

ARTICLE V
Meetings
Section 1. Stated Meetings
The Temple shall hold a stated meeting on the second Thursday of
each month, provided however, that the Potentate may suspend the
meetings for the months of June and/or July and/or August. The December
meeting shall be the annual meeting at which the erection of
officers shall be held. In the event of national emergency the Potentate
may further suspend all meetings except one meeting per calendar
quarter. The annual meeting in December shall not be suspended.
Amend 2000
Section 2. Ceremonial Sessions
Ceremonial sessions may be called by the Potentate at any time.
Section 3. Special Meetings
Special Meetings may be called by the Potentate at any time after
reasonable notice is given to each member stating the business to be
considered, and no other business than that specified in the call may
be transacted.
Section 4. Sunday Meeting Prohibited
The Temple may not hold either a Special Meeting or a Ceremonial
Session on Sunday.
Section 5. Notice of Meetings
Not less than one week’s notice shall be given of the time and place
of all meetings and ceremonial sessions.
Section 6. Quorum
A quorum shall consist of 7 members of the Temple entitled to vote

one of whom must be the Potentate, the Chief Rabban, the Assistant
Rabban or a Past Potentate of the Temple.
(a) The Potentate shall open and preside at all meetings and sessions
of the Temple.
(b) The Chief Rabban shall preside in the absence of the Potentate.
(c) In the absence of both the Potentate and the Chief Rabban, the
Assistant Rabban shall preside.
(d) In the absence of all 3 of these officers, a Past Potentate of the
Temple shall preside.
All powers not delegated to officers or committees by these By-
Laws or by Imperial Law are reserved for action of the membership at
any stated meeting or a meeting duly called for the purpose.
Section 7. Admission
A Noble may not be admitted to the Temple unless he exhibits an
official Shrine card for the current year, except as provided by Shrine
Law, and gives the proper words.
Section 1. Fiscal Year
ARTICLE VI
Finance
The Temple shall arrange its books of account, annual report, and
audit to conform to the calendar year.
Section 2. Bonds and Insurance
(a) The Temple, at its expense, shall procure a corporate surely bond
indemnifying It against loss resulting from infidelity, defalcation, or
misappropriation by its officers, employees, or Nobles of its funds,
assets, or property.
(b) The Potentate shall appoint an insurance advisory committee,
which shall consist of at least four members, (not members of the
Divan) three of whom shall be skilled and knowledgeable in property
and casualty insurance matters, and the fourth member shall be the
Temple attorney.

(c) The insurance advisory committee shall have such duties and responsibilities
as assigned to it by the Temple and the Imperial Potentate.
Section 3. Endowment Fund
Alzafar Temple shall establish an Endowment Fund in the original
principal sum of $1,700,000 such funds to be set aside and allocated
for such Endowment Fund from the general funds of the Temple. The
principal in the Endowment Fund shall be expended only for some
special or urgent need and such need shall be determined by a twothirds
majority of the Temple present and voting by secret ballot at a
regular session of the Temple, only after the Nobility of the Temple
shall have been mailed a notice of such Session and its purpose at
least 14 days prior to said Session. The interest in the Endowment
Fund shall be expended only for such expenditures that shall be determined
by a simple majority of the Temple present and voting by
secret ballot at a regular session of the Temple. Not withstanding the
provisions of the article to the contrary, the Temple, subject to Article
VI, section 6 of the By-Laws of Alzafar Temple may expend interest in
a sum not to exceed $12,000 in any fiscal calendar year.
Section 4. Budget
(a) The Temple shall adopt an annual budget, which must be prepared
in accordance with the Uniform Chart of Accounts prescribed by
the Imperial Council.
(b) The Budget shall be adopted at the annual meeting or at a meeting
called for that purpose or a stated meeting held no earlier than
December 1st, preceding, and no later than March 1st, following the
annual meeting.
(c) Procedure for presenting budget:
(1) The Chief Rabban, in conjunction with the Board of Directors,
shall be responsible for the preparation and presentation of the proposed
annual budget of the Temple for the ensuing year.
Imperial Amend 2000
(2) Copies of a summary of the proposed budget shall be available
in the office of the Recorder of the Temple at least ten days prior

to the meeting at which it is to be considered.
(3) The complete budget shall be available to all members for
inspection before the meeting at which it is to be adopted.
(d) The adoption of the budget constitutes the appropriation of funds
for the purposes indicated m the budget.
(e) The budget may be amended at any meeting of the Temple.
(f) At each meeting the Treasurer or, in his absence, a member of
the Finance Committee, shall give a summary of the expenditures or
such details as may be requested, relating them to the budget.
(g) A copy of the budget shall be flied with the Imperial Recorder
within 30 days after its adoption, if required by Imperial Law or Orders.
Section 5. Fiscal Reports Available at Budget Meeting
The Temple officers shall make available to the members at the
budget meeting the following documents:
(a) A copy of the audit of the Temple accounts;
(b) An operating statement for the previous year showing in parallel
columns the budget items and the actual expenditures related
thereto.
(c) A balance sheet showing the financial condition of the Temple at
the end of the previous year.
Section 6. Finance Committee
(a) There shall be a Finance Committee which shall consist of:
(1) The Potentate, Chief Rabban, Assistant Rabban; and
(2) Four other Alzafar Temple Nobles, elected by ballot, each to
serve for a period of four years.
Amend. 1997
(b) The Potentate shall be Chairman of the Finance Committee. The
Recorder shall serve as Secretary thereof but shall have no vote. The
Treasurer, Oriental Guide and High Priest and Prophet shall be advi-

sory members of the Finance Committee, but shall have no vote.
(c) It shall be the duty of the Finance Committee to act in an advisory
capacity to the Board of Directors as follows:
Imperial Amend 2000
(1) Review the maintenance of the bookkeeping system for the
Temple;
Imperial Amend 2000
(2) Review all accounts, claims, or demands of whatever character
presented against the Temple or by the Temple against any member
thereof or other persons;
Imperial Amend 2000
(3) Annually, or as often as required by the Temple, the Board of
Directors will cause to be examined by expert accountants or auditors,
the books, reports, accounts, voucher checks, and papers of the
Treasurer and Recorder, as well as all other records of the Temple.
Upon conclusion of the audit, the Finance Committee will review the
report;
Imperial Amend 2000
(4) Report the result of its examinations of the audit to the Board
of Directors and/or the Temple with appropriate recommendations.
Imperial Amend 2000
(5) Advise the Board of Directors on the management and investment
of Temple Funds.
Imperial Amend 2000
(d) This committee shall advise the Board of Directors, subject to review
by the temple, of all expenditures to be made for or on account
of the Temple, and no liabilities of any kind shall be incurred against
the Temple without authority of the Board of Directors. All bills and
accounts shall be paid by check only and proper receipts therefore
taken and filed. No Facsimile, rubber –stamped or pre-signed signatures
are permitted. Checks to be signed by no fewer than two authorized
Temple officers who shall be the Potentate, Chief Rabban,
Assistant Rabban, Treasurer or Recorder. The signing of checks by
authorized Temple officers is to be consistent with the provisions of
Article IV, Section 15(b) of these bylaws.
Amend 2001 and Imperial Amend 2000

(e) Regular meetings of the Finance Committee shall be held prior to
each stated meeting of the Temple, and meetings of the Committee
may also be called at other times by the Potentate or in his absence
the Chief Rabban or Assistant Rabban (as the case may be), and such
meetings shall be called upon the written request of any three members
of the Committee.
Section 7. Life Membership Fees
All life memberships paid pursuant to section 332.6 of the By-laws
of the Imperial council of A.A.O.N.M.S. shall be paid into the “Life
Membership Fund” and shall remain in said fund in perpetuity.
All interest earned by the Life Membership Fund shall be withdrawn
from said fund annually during the month of December and paid over
to the General Fund.
Add 1986
Section 1. Unlawful Enterprises
ARTICLE VII
Prohibited Practices
It is unlawful for the Temple, or any unit or club under its control,
or any group of its members, or any member acting for or on behalf
of the Temple to promote or take part in any engagement or enterprise
prohibited by the law of the land.
Section 2. Use of “Noble” or “Shriner”
(a) The use of the word “Noble,” “Shriner,” or any variation thereof,
or any term, sign or symbol of the Order for commercial or other
business enterprises is prohibited.
(b) This section does not apply to those who are regularly engaged in
dealing in standard Shrine supplies, uniforms, regalia, and emblems.
Section 3. Use of “Shriners Hospitals for Crippled Children”
The use of the name “Shriners Hospitals for Crippled Children” or
reference to the Hospitals in connection with any fund raising activity

y the Temple or any Noble without the Written consent of the Chairman
of the Board of Trustees of the Hospitals is prohibited.
Section 4. Solicitation of Funds
Neither the Temple nor any Noble may solicit funds or accept real
estate, money, securities, or other property for purposes connected
with the building, launching, maintenance, or operation of hospitals
for crippled children or similar projects without first obtaining permission
from the Imperial Potentate.
Section 5. Immoral or Vulgar Practices
(a) All immoral and vulgar practices in the initiation of candidates or
otherwise and all allusions thereto in any printed notice issued by the
Temple or by any unit or club are prohibited.
(b) The Potentate or any officer presiding at the time shall be personally
responsible for failure to immediately arrest any act of vulgarity
or obscenity.
Section 6. Furnishing Names of Members
The Temple or a Noble must comply with all the provisions of Imperial
Council Bylaws Section 335.6 and:
(1) May furnish a list of members of the temple to national
Shrine magazines for the sole purpose of soliciting subscriptions.
(2) May furnish a list of members of the temple to others solely
for fraternal purposes for the benefit of the temple and then only
upon such terms and conditions as directed by a resolution duly
adopted by the temple.
(3) Shall, as part of the temple monthly report (commencing in
August 2003), provide to the Imperial Recorder a complete copy of
the temple membership database, including any and all information
contained therein. Thereafter, updates to the database shall be submitted
with each subsequent monthly report. Information contained
in the database is for the use of the Imperial Council Membership
Committee in developing statistics and trends for membership development.
The list of members included therein may be used for the

sole purpose of disseminating information about our hospitals, and
encouraging gifts, contributions and bequests thereto, and then only
upon such terms and conditions as directed by a resolution duly
adopted by the board of directors of Shriners Hospitals For Children.
Amend. 2002
(4) May not furnish a list of members of the temple to anyone to
be used to circularize or solicit the members for business purposes
except as herein mentioned.
Section 7. Appeals for Aid
The Temple may not appeal to Nobles not members of the Temple
for aid unless the appeal bears the endorsement of the Imperial Potentate.
Section 8. Paid Advertising
The Temple may not issue with or as a part of any official notice or
announcement any paid business advertisement except such notices
as are inserted in the official monthly Temple publication.
Section 9. Prohibition Regarding Fees or Dues
The Temple may not set aside any part of the fees collected for initiation,
affiliation, annual dues, or assessments for the exclusive use
of any unit or any subordinate club or organization in the Temple.
Section 10. Female Organizations Prohibited
Neither the Temple nor any subordinate unit or club thereof may
organize in any way any body of women, or men and women, purporting
to be an organization connected with the Order.
Section 11. Females and Female Impersonators Excluded From
Shrine Parades
All females and impersonators of females are prohibited from participation
in any public function of the Temple. Appropriate participa-

tion by females is permitted in public functions exclusively devoted to
the Hospitals.
Section 12. Ritual
The Temple may not deviate from the ritual as promulgated by the
Imperial Council.
Section 13. Shrine Law
Neither the Temple nor any Noble may violate Shrine Law.
Section 14. Public Exhibitions
The appearance in public of candidates or Nobles in costume or attire
or publicly engaging in activities, which bring reproach upon the Order,
is prohibited.
Section 15. Intoxicating Liquor
The intemperate use of intoxicating liquor, gambling and profane
swearing are prohibited within the confines of this Temple or at any
meeting or function sponsored by any unit or club thereof.
Section 1. Defined
ARTICLE VIII
Temple Units
The Units are a part of the working corps of the Temple, are under
the control of the Potentate, and shall be composed wholly of Nobles
in good standing in the Temple.
Section 2. Parades and Public Appearances
(a) In parades under the auspices of the Temple or of a Shrine Club
only Nobles shall participate.
(b) No Temple unit is permitted to participate in a parade or public
exhibition without the express approval of the Potentate.

(c) Public appearances by units are under the auspices of the Temple
and are not permitted outside the Temple’s jurisdiction except with
the consent of the Potentate having jurisdiction.
(d) Members of units are prohibited from accepting any reward or
compensation for participating in parades and exhibitions.
Section 3. By-Laws
Each unit shall adopt By-Laws and shall conform thereto at all
times. Unit By-Laws and all amendments thereto are to be submitted
to the Potentate and approved by him before the same become effective.
ARTICLE IX
Shrine Clubs
Section 1. Organizational Requirements
No organization of Shriners meeting as such using any of the emblems
of the Order, or having a title indicating it to be an organization
of Shriners may be organized within the jurisdiction of this Temple
without the authorization of the Potentate.
Section 2. Authority
All Nobles who are members of a Shrine club of this Temple are
amenable to the By-laws and regulations of the Temple, whether they
are members of this Temple or of another Temple.
Section 3. Potentate’s Authority
Each Shrine Club is under the control of the Potentate and he must
approve any By-Laws or amendments thereto adopted by the club
before they can become effective.
Section 4. Incorporation
The Incorporation of a Shrine Club is prohibited. A Shrine Club
holding company may be organized if considered necessary by compliance
with the following procedure:

(a) A written application shall be presented to the Potentate, stating
the reason such Incorporation is necessary.
(b) A draft of the proposed Articles of Incorporation or Association
shall be attached to the application.
(c) The Articles of Incorporation or Association must include the following
provisions:
(1) It must be a non-profit corporation or association and for
the sole purpose of holding title to real or personal property other
than cash and securities owned by the Club.
(2) The trustees and managing officers of the corporation or
association shall be members in good standing in the club and remain
subject to the By-Laws of the Temple and the control of the Potentate.
(3) The Potentate shall have power to remove from office in
the corporation or association any trustee or managing officer for
disobedience of his orders or for any violation of these By-Laws with
respect to the conduct of the affairs of the corporation or association.
(4) In the event of dissolution the assets and funds remaining
after payment in full of all debts of the corporation or association
shall be conveyed to the Hospitals. No part of the assets or funds
may inure to the benefit of any member of the corporation or association
nor revert to any officer or trustee thereof.
(d) The Potentate shall approve or reject the application.
(e) If the Potentate approves the application; the application, the
proposed Articles of Incorporation or Association, and a certificate of
the Potentate’s approval shall be sent to the Imperial Recorder.
(f) If the application is approved in accordance with Imperial Law, the
Corporation or association may be organized.
ARTICLE X
Discipline
A Noble is subject to the discipline of this Temple if he is a member
thereof or if he resides within the jurisdiction of this Temple. Discipline
shall be conducted according to the rules of procedure as out-

lined in the By-Laws of the Imperial Council.
Section 1. General Committees
ARTICLE XI
Committees
The Potentate shall appoint and prescribe the duties of such committees,
except the Finance Committee, as he may consider necessary
for the conduct of the affairs of the Temple.
Section 2. Standing Committee For Building and Grounds
At the January meeting, when the incoming Potentate announces
his appointed officers he shall also name a committee of not more
than 7 members to serve the Temple in matters pertaining to the
care, maintenance, additions, and renovation of the buildings,
grounds and equipment of Alzafar Temple. This committee to include,
if possible, members from the following professions or occupations,
banker, realtor, architect, contractor, engineer, accountant and business
administrator.
No member may serve more than 3 consecutive years.
ARTICLE XII
Rules of order
The Articles of Incorporation, By-laws, Codes, Edicts, and Orders of
the Imperial Council and of the Imperial Potentate shall govern this
Temple.
In the absence of a governing provision thereof or of these Bylaws,
Robert’s Rules of Order, Revised, shall govern parliamentary
procedure.
Section 1.
ARTICLE XIII
Amendment, Modification, or Repeal

These By-Laws may be amended, modified, or repealed in the following
manner:
(a) Amendments must be presented in writing in the form of a resolution
at a stated meeting.
(b) The resolution must be laid over to the next stated meeting or to
a special meeting called for action thereon. The notice of the meeting
must be sent to every member of the Temple at least seven (7) days
prior to such meeting and must recite the text or substance of the
proposed amendments.
(c) The Temple then may adopt the proposed amendments upon affirmative
vote of 2/3 of the members present and voting.
(d) Upon the adoption of amendments, the same shall be reported to
the Imperial Recorder together with accompanying documents as required
by Shrine Law.
(e) The same shall become effective if and when approved in accordance
with Shrine Law.
Section 2. Automatic Amendments
(a) When a change is made by the Imperial Council affecting Shrine
law, and said change affects the By-laws of the Temple, the By-laws
of the Temple are changed, ipso facto, to conform with those of the
Imperial Council.
(b) It is the duty of the Temple to make this change in its By-laws
immediately upon receiving the printed copy of the proceedings of
the Imperial Council from the Imperial Recorder.
(c) Thereupon the Recorder shall send to the Imperial Recorder a
properly certified copy showing that the change was made, and he
must send copies to the Imperial Potentate; and to the Committee on
Jurisprudence and Laws for approval and confirmation in accordance
with Shrine law.
ARTICLE XIV
Definitions
The following words, terms, and phrases mean:

(a) “Imperial Council” means the Imperial Council of the Ancient Arabic
Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine for North America, an
Iowa Corporation.
(b) “Temple” means this Temple chartered by the Imperial Council,
unless the context requires otherwise.
(c) “Noble” means any member in good standing of any Temple.
(d) “Imperial”. The use of the word “Imperial” as a part of the title of
an officer refers to officers, past or present, as the case may be, of
the Imperial Council.
(e) “Order” means the fraternal society of Nobles operated by the
Imperial Council, including the Imperial Council, Temples, and all organizations
of Temples or Nobles.
(f) “Session” means a meeting of the Temple for ceremonial purposes.
(g) “Meeting” means a meeting of the Temple for business purposes.
(h) “Member” means a member of this Temple or of any organization
of this Temple.
(i) “Shrine Law” includes the Articles of Incorporation of the Imperial
Council, its By- Laws, the Imperial Code, and any General or Special
Orders in effect at the time; but it does not include the law of the
land.
(j) “Suspension” means deprivation of all rights of membership.
(k) “Expulsion” means involuntary termination of membership.
(l) “Restoration” means the return of all rights of membership.
(m) “Hospitals” means Shriners Hospitals for Children, a Colorado
Corporation.
(n) Singular includes the plural and plural includes the singular as the
context requires or permits.
Administratively Updated October 29, 2004