What is the Divan?

The Al Shamal Shrine Board of Directors are elected annually and referred to as the DIVAN. The top five positions typically are a progressive line. Elected Board Members starts as an Oriental Guide and progresses toward the position of Potentate or Chairman of the Board. All Board Members have an equal fiduciary responsibility to the Nobility or members of ABBA Shrine and responsible for the daily operations of Al Shamal Shrine Centre.

Who are the Elected Divan Members?

Potentate, Ill Sir Art Nordholm
Chief Rabban, Noble Justin Balbuena
Assistant Rabban, Noble Leigh Spicer
High Priest & Prophet, Gord Harris
Oriental Guide, Noble Trevor Eliott
Treasurer, Noble David Blue
Recorder, Noble Hal Welke

Shrine Leadership positions have, for the newcomer, odd sounding titles. In addition, some positions are elected and some are appointed. The sitting Potentate makes appointments.

Potentate – This is, essentially, the President, or CEO, of the Shrine Centre (Shrine Temple.) It is an elected position. The Nobles vote, annually, for their choice of Potentate.

Chief Rabban – 1st Vice President. As with the Potentate, this is also an elected position. It is expected that the Chief Rabban will, the following year, be elected to the position of Potentate.

Assistant Rabban – 2nd Vice President. This is also an elected position. It is expected that the Assistant Rabban will, the following year, be elected to the position of Chief Rabban.

High Priest and Prophet – 3rd Vice President. Another elected position. It is expected that the High Priest and Prophet will, the following year, be elected to the position of Assistant Rabban.

Oriental Guide – 4th Vice President – Yet another elected position. In some Temples this is an appointment of the incoming Potentate, but then he has to be elected by the Nobility to become Oriental Guide. It is expected that the Oriental Guide will, the following year, be elected to the position of High Priest and Prophet.

Two other elected and critical positions are:

 Treasurer – Just what it sounds like!

Recorder – Secretary and much more!

The Board of Directors for the Temple, as with most boards, is elected by the Nobility  and governs the Temple. They are the management team and are eligible to approve Al Shamal Shrine business.

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