Divan

The Potentate is, essentially, the President of Marzuq Shriners and is elected annually by the Nobility to lead our efforts. By virtue of his role, he is responsible to the Imperial Divan for the proper government of his Temple and to ensure that officers and nobles observe Shrine Law and the By-Laws of his Temple. He is also responsible for the appointment of certain Temple Officers and Committeemen, as well as the oversight of the same.

The Chief Rabban is the 1st Vice President and assists the Potentate in his duties, standing in as his replacement if he is unavailable. He is also Chairman of the Finance and Fundraising Committees and prepares a budget for the ensuing year and submits it to the Nobility for approval at the Temple’s Annual Meeting. He also assists the Hospital Chairman, as needed, and performs other duties as requested by the Potentate.

The Assistant Rabban is the 2nd Vice President and assists the Chief Rabban in his duties, standing in as a replacement if the Potentate and Chief Rabban are unavailable. He is also Vice Chairman of the Finance and Fundraising Committees and assists the Hospital Chairman, as needed, and performs other duties as requested by the Potentate.

The High Priest and Prophet is the 3rd Vice President and serves as the invocationist in the absence of the Temple Chaplain. He aids Assistant Rabban and performs other duties as requested by the Potentate.

The Oriental Guide is the 4th Vice President and is in charge of fraternal relations by assisting with outreach to Blue Lodges, York and Scottish Rites, Order of the Eastern Star and Daughters of the Nile, DeMolay, and the Widows Sons. He aids High Priest and Prophet and performs other duties as requested by the Potentate.

The Treasurer oversees all Temple and Hospital finances, investments, and accounts under the control of the Temple and ensures proper accounting of the same.

The Recorder acts as the Corporate Secretary and recorder of all Divan and Temple meetings and votes, ensuring that all aspects of Temple operations are consistent with the rules, bylaws, and edicts of Marzuq Temple and Shriners International. He also is the primary business manager of the Temple, providing oversight, direction, and coordination of Temple operations and staff.

W. Ben Hart was Initiated an Entered Apprentice in July, passed to a Fellowcraft in August, and raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason in Jackson Lodge No. 1 in September, all in 1973.  He was appointed an officer of the Lodge line in 1974 and served as Worshipful Master in 1978.  He joined Scottish Rite and Morocco Shrine in 1976 and has held continuous membership ever since.  He served Marzuq as Potentate in 2016, was elected Recorder in 2017, and continues to serve the Temple in that capacity today.