Greetings my Brothers!

This is Eric Morabito, “The Walking Man,” checking back in on Fez Friday.

Cyprus Shrine

The idea of forming a new Shrine Temple (as originally called) in Albany, NY was the brainchild of Imperial Sir Walter M. Fleming (first Imperial Potentate of the Shrine of North America 1876–1886). There were only four Temples chartered at the time — Mecca #1 in New York City, Damascus #2 in Webster, NY, Mount Sinai #3 in Montpelier, VT, and Al Koran #4 in Broadview Heights, OH.

In 1875, Imperial Sir Fleming selected some prominent members of Mecca Temple #1 in New York City to establish subordinate Temples. Among those appointed were John S. Dickerman, Townsend Fondey, and Robert Waterman, who resided in Albany, New York. In January 1877, Townsend Fondey organized a Shrine Temple at Masonic Temple in Albany, NY. Although no name was assigned, a dispensation was granted and certificates of membership issued to members as Nobles-at-Large, bearing the date January 22, 1877. Cyprus Temple #5 was formally organized on February 1, 1877, at New York National Guard, Ninth Brigade Headquarters, 92 State Street, Albany, NY. On April 26, 1930, The Ceremonial, Franklin Delano Roosevelt was included in the class of candidates. He modestly listed his occupation as “lawyer” on his petition but was in actuality the Governor of New York State (soon to become the 32nd President of United States). Noble Roosevelt continued to be a member in good standing until the time of his death in 1945. In 1990 the Shrine Center moved From Albany to Glenmont, NY and there are currently about 450 members. The Cyprus Shrine supports the Shriners hospitals located in Springfield, Boston, and Philadelphia. When I Walked the Sands and became a Noble of the Cyprus Shrine in 2010, Ill. Ben Froggett (2001) asked the new members this question, “Why did you want to become a Shriner?” to which we all answered, “To help the children.”. I have heard this question asked many times since then and the answer has always been the same. I would like to add a second part to this question, “How will you help the children?”. I have taken my daily walking routine and turned it into a means to raise awareness about the Shriners and to raise a little money for the hospitals. I encourage everyone to find something that they can do on a regular basis that will benefit others. Imagine how much better off our world would be if everyone were to do this. I can assure you that you will also reap the benefits of this. I know that the little that I do has added immeasurably to my life.