 Mike Martin Illustrious Potentate 2007 |
It had been
42 years since Dr. Walter Millard Fleming and 12 associates gave birth to the
Shrine and there were 186,000 Shriners in North America, when a group of very
active, energetic and devoted 32nd degree Scottish Rite Masons and Knights
Templar of the Nashville and Middle Tennessee area organized a new Temple. A
dispensation on May 8, 1912 officially initiated the impetus for Al Menah
Temple. This was followed by its Charter on May 13, 1913 as the 131st Temple in
North America. There were 314 charter members. All of these were Nobles already belonging to
the Shrine. Given exclusive jurisdiction over the middle division of Tennessee,
with the exception of the counties of Cumberland, Fentress and Van Buren, most
were members of Al Chymia and Alhambra Temples of Memphis and Chattanooga, and
others came from out-of-state Temples
For ninety-five years, Al Menah Shriners has continued as one of the
substantial institutions of Middle Tennessee. It was begun by, and has
been nurtured by, many of the leading citizens of our communities. The
charter members set high standards for the fraternity here and these
standards have been faithfully guarded and protected by their
successors. Always adhering to the best interest of society, it has
maintained the respect of the people of Nashville and Middle Tennessee. |
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Over the years Al Menah Shriners has taken an active part in the civic affairs of Middle Tennessee. The Temple has from time to time conducted programs of entertainment for the children of orphanages, homes and institutions, conducted patriotic exercises, Nobility picnics and outings, flag distributions, school contests, concerts, and entertainment for Nashville Nobility and their Ladies. The Uniformed Units take a prominent part in the parades opening civil celebrations, National Flag Day and Memorial ceremonies, The Shrine Circus, the Shrine Paper Sale, and conventions. |
The
Al Menah Shrine Center |
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