Pageantry

The Pageantry unit of Shalman Temple No. 90 (Dallas, Texas) was established in 1990, under the reign of Queen Bunny Hinckley. The officers that year were: P.Q. Gene Ballenger, Sponsor, Pr. Mary McDaniel, Director, Pr. Patricia McElroy, President, Pr. Alline Dove, Vice President, and. Pr. Shirley Brand, Secretary/Treasurer. The Unit is a subordinate body of, and subject to the laws of Shalman Temple No. 90.

Pageantry Unit Objective: “The object of this organization shall be to promote good fellowship, fun and to enhance the beauty and meaning of our Order by participating in the installation of Officers and all Ceremonials, performance of other duties as directed by the Queen and to promote the best interest of Shalman Temple No. 90 and the Supreme Temple”.

The Pageantry Unit provides and maintains the costumes worn in the processionals and helps decorate the temple to create an “Egyptian oasis” with an air of “pageantry”. A full processional consists of as many as 25 – 35 Pageantry members which include: an Opening Gong performer, Gong bearers, Drummers, Incense bearers, Handmaidens, Bird girls and Fan girls, all fully dressed in Egyptian attire. The costumes amassed over the years are unrivaled.

Meetings: The Pageantry Unit meets monthly on the 2nd Tuesday after a Stated Session (except for the months of June, July and August) at the Hella Shrine Center building located at 2121 Rowlett Road, Garland, Texas 75043. Refreshments are served at 6:30 p.m. The business meeting is then called to order at 7:00 p.m.

Annual Events:

Officer Installation and new member Initiation Ceremonials:
The Pageantry unit participates in the annual installation of incoming Officers for the ensuing year and also in the Ceremonials of Initiation for new members.

“Texas Days”:
The annual State convention for Daughters of the Nile. The unit performed their first skit at Texas Days in 1990 to honor Queen Bunny Hinckley in Tyler, Texas. The Shalman Temple No. 90 Pageantry Unit has attended Texas Days every year since and has prepared a skit in honor of the then reigning Queen of Shalman Temple.

Fundraisers:
Fundraisers are held annually and contributions are made to Daughters of the Nile benefiting the Shriners Hospitals for Children®.