AINAD'S HISTORY

Ainad Temple was conceived in 1912, when many of the members of the Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine gathered at the Scottish Rite building in East St. Louis to bring to Southern Illinois the chance to join the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. These local men of the business and professional world had journeyed to Chicago at one time or another for admission into Shrinedom, and they felt they had enough members to start a Temple.

Affilliations and applications gave them 105 members for the first year under dispensation. After they granted the Charter the following year, they initiated 154 more Nobles, which made the rolls read 259 members at the end of 1913. Ainad then became the fourth of five Temples in the State of Illinois.

Thomas L. Fekete was our first Potentate, serving as temporary leader until our Charter was to be issued. Ainad became Temple 130 on the numerical list. Fekete was then elected and served as the Illustrious Potentate for the Chater year. Eight of the original Officers became Potentates of Ainad Temple. The 1920 Pilgrim Class furnished the second largest number of Potentates namely H.O. Baker, Sr., Walter Bader, Ray Holroyd, Fred Buck, and Robert F. Miller.

In 1994 the Divan and the Nobles decided the present day Temple needed help. A building fund to help in the restoration of the building was established. The exterior has been completely tuck pointed and down spots attached. The entire interior has been replastered and repainted. The roof had been replaced. The dining room floor refurbished and kitchen updated. The front entry was resealed. New carpeting and air conditioning installed in the small dining room. A new heating and air conditioning system was installed in the Candidates room. Additional property has been acquired to allow for additional parking space.

The new elevator was dedicated in November 2001.

In 2003 the main parking lot was resurfaced, some new fencing installed, the kitchen was renovated and furnished with modern equipment including a walk-in cooler and a garage was built to house the hospital vans and other equipment.

In the last 5 years a lot has been accomplished, but there is more needed to be done. Your continued support is necessary as the restoration of this historic Shrine Center continues.

With a current membership of 5,664 for the start of 2006. Ainad as the 10th largest Temple out of 191 in all of North America. It is also to our members credit that this also makes Ainad the largest in Illinois out of 5. Total membership in all 191 Temples is approximately 430,000.

We are each a part of Ainad Shriners proud history. You can make a difference with your heart, your hands, and your wills and bequests. Will you help continue this tradition?

PAST POTENTATES of AINAD SHRINERS
(* Indicates Deceased)

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