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Meet The Divan Members Charles Maddox Potentate Charles E. Maddox is an attorney for the Office of the Secretary of State of Texas. Prior to working for the Secretary of State, he served as an Assistant Attorney General for Texas, and was a budget analyst for the Legislative Budget Board of Texas. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Government and Master of Public Affairs each from the University of Texas at Austin, a Doctor of Jurisprudence from St. Mary’s University School of Law, and a Master of Laws from Stetson University College of Law. He is admitted to the Bar in Texas, and every civilian federal court which has jurisdiction in and over the State of Texas. He, his wife Emily, and their daughter reside in the Austin Area. A proud eleventh generation Texan, Charles is a member of the Sons of the Republic of Texas and is an Honorary Admiral in the Texas Navy. Read More Ron Speaks High Priest and Prophet Born a Kentuckian, Ron is proud Texan by choice! He is a Vietnam Veteran and after 7 years of active-duty 1968-1975, he continued working for the US Air Force as a DOD Civilian from 1975-2003, with multiple duty stations around the globe. His last assignment was Chief of Aircraft & Missile Maintenance Training Management, Ogden Air Logistics Center, Hill AFB Utah. While stationed in Alaska, Ron was made a Master Mason at Tanana Lodge #3, became a 32°Scottish Rite Mason and a Noble of AL ASKA Shrine, all at Fairbanks, Alaska during Nov 1998 – June 1999. Later, during his Air Force time and after his 2003 retirement in Utah, he became York Rite Mason, served as Worshipful Master of George Washington Lodge #24, President of Ogden Shrine Club, President of EL Kalah Clowns, VP of the Ogden Temple Board, Finance Committee on the Salt Lake Shriners Hospital Board, Grand Pursuivant on the Grand Lodge of Utah. In 2002 Ron was appointed to Staff positions with EL Kalah Shrine, and was elected Oriental Guide, High Priest & Prophet and Assistant Rabban 2004-2006. Read More Sam Stimson Ph.D. Recorder Samuel Edward Stimson, PhD is a member of the Board of Directors of Ben Hur Shriners. He was created a member of Ben Hur on 2/11/1983 and remained a member until he demitted on12/29/1989. At that time his job at Dell Computers required him to travel frequently to Asia and he had no time to devote to the fraternity. After retirement he returned to Ben Hur in January 2010 and has remained active ever since. He served as Marshal of the Provost Guard in 2013 and as State Marshal in 2015. He was elected to the post of Recorder in 2012 when he served for 2 years and then 1 year as High Priest and Prophet. He took a couple of years off and then returned as Recorder in 2018. He completed his Emeritus year in 2025. Read More Charlie Farnham Chief Rabban Charlie Farnham is a member of the Board of Directors of Ben Hur Shriners. He has been a member of Ben Hur since 1999 and was an active member of the Drum and Bugle Corps until its demise. He is currently a member of the Motley Brue and Golf Units. Charlie is a Past Potentate of Ben Hur, having served in that role in 2008. He is also a dual member of Hella Shriners in Dallas, Texas. Read More Ricki Pierce Oriental Guide Ricki Pierce is a member of the Board of Directors of Ben Hur Shriners. He has been a member of Ben Hur since 1991, is active in the Directors Staff, Trailblazers, Charioteers & Golf Units, also the Motorcycle Club and served as President of the Directors Staff in 2025. He was also a member of Ararat Shriners in Kansas City, Missouri. Read More Ricky Hayes Assistant Rabban Bio Information Goes Here Read More James Heineman PP Treasurer James Heineman is a member of the Board of Directors of Ben Hur Shriners. He has been a member of Ben Hur since 2017, and is active in the Travel Club, Motorcycle Club, Motley Brue Unit, and Directors Staff. Read More The Elected Shrine Leadership Board of Directors Potentate – This is, the Chairman of the Board. It is an elected position. The Nobles, who are members, vote annually, for their choice of Potentate. Chief Rabban – 1st Vice President. As with the Potentate, this is also an elected position. Assistant Rabban – 2nd Vice President. This is also an elected position. High Priest and Prophet – 3rd Vice President. Another elected position. Oriental Guide – 4th Vice President – Yet another elected position. Treasurer - Disburses funds for budgeted and approved expenses. Recorder - Serves as secretary to the board, and conducts day-to-day operations and much more. The elected Board of Directors is the management team.

Welcome to Ben Hur Shriners. Shriners are About Fun, Friends, Family, Fellowship & Philanthropy. The Shriners are famous and have Fun with a Good Purpose our Philanthropy is Shriners Children. Contact Us Potentates Video Ben Hur Shriners is a fraternity dedicated to improving lives and making a difference in our local communities. As a part of the Shriners International organization, we strive to make a positive impact through our commitment to our Shriners Children's Philanthropy. Shriners are about Fun, Friendship, and Fellowship, and they highly enjoy the camaraderie. Purchase Tickets to our latest events and enjoy and have a good time with the Shrine. We have fun with a purpose. Purchase Tickets Current Events Pay Dues Calendar of Events Shriners Children's Be a Shrin er The Chariot News SHRINERS HAVE FUN WITH A PURPOSE Potentate Message Meet the Potentate Meet our Divan About The Shrine We believe in the power of camaraderie, and through our events and activities, our members come together to share ideas, gain insight and support each other. Won't you join us in our mission to give back to those in need and take part in the countless philanthropic opportunities that Ben Hur Shriners has to offer? Become a Shriner today we would love to have you join in and "Have Fun with a Purpose". OUR PHILANTHROPY

The News Letter is dedicated to promoting the interests of Shriners and Shriners Children's. It is to inform you of our current events and general information about our Shrine Center and Units and Clubs. The Chariot Newsletter The Chariot Newsletter is the official publication of Ben Hur Shriners. Our mission is to promote the interests of Shriners, Shriners Hospitals for Children, and Free Masonry. We provide our readers with the latest news and updates about our activities and events and strive to create a community for our members to stay up-to-date and connected. We invite you to join our mailing list to stay informed of the latest news from our Shrine Center. Join Our Mailing List The Chariot July 2026 April 2026 Jan 2026 Sept 2025 June 2025 March 2025 December 2024 September 2024 June 2024 March 2024 December 2023 September 2023 June 2023 March 2023 June2026 March 2026 Dec 2025 Aug 2025 May 2025 February 2025 November 2024 August 2024 May 2024 February 2024 November 2023 August 2023 May 2023 February 2023 May 2026 Feb 2026 Oct 2025 July 2025 April 2025 January 2025 October 2024 July 2024 April 2024 January 2024 October 2023 July 2023 April 2023 January 2023 The Chariot Archives Ben Hur published brochures during its early years, especially about upcoming Ceremonials. And, in the 1930s Ben Hur started the publication of a newsletter and named it “The Chariot”. The Chariot was published periodically until after World War II and starting in 1947, The Chariot was published monthly as Ben Hur’s method of communication. While electronic communications are changing how The Chariot is received by the Nobility, The Chariot continues to be the official communication method.

Shrine Current Events is a variety of social activities available for the entire family, special interest clubs, and units to satisfy individuals. The privilege of being a part of the "World's Greatest Philanthropy," offers Shriners many opportunities to find personal fulfillment and satisfaction. Current Events A variety of social activities are available for the entire family at Ben Hur Shriners, with many special interest groups, units, and clubs to satisfy individual tastes. The privilege of being a part of the "World's Greatest Philanthropy," offering Shriners many opportunities to find personal fulfillment and satisfaction through supporting Shriners Hospitals. If you would like to conduct a fundraising activity please contact Ben Hur Shriners at (512) 480-0812 or email us at secretary@benhurshrine.org Purchase Tickets September 11th 2026 - Murder Mystery - Ben Hur Shrine Oct 24th 2026 - Rodeo - Ben Hur Shrine September 11th 2026 - Murder Mystery - Ben Hur Shrine 1/2 Event Calendar Ben Hur Shriners and Shriners International are organizations that are dedicated to supporting children in need of medical care. The Shriners are a fraternity of men who share a common bond of brotherhood and work and have fun together to provide charitable services to their communities. Through their various event activities, the Shriners raise funds for medical research and treatment, as well as provide support to families in need. The Ben Hur Shriners, in particular, are based in Austin, Texas, and are committed to making a difference in the lives of children. Whether through parades, fundraisers, or other events, the Shriners are always working to make a positive impact on their community and beyond.

Ben Hur Shrine Rodeo Rodeo

Join the Shrine Lady Organizations. The ladies enjoy the Shrine through several independent organizations that women who are related to a Shriner are eligible to join. They include: Daughters of the Nile (DON) The Ladies Oriental Shrine of North America The Shrine Guilds of America Shrine Lady Organizations Shriners’ ladies enjoy the Shrine through several independent organizations that women who are related to a Shriner are eligible to join. There organizations support Shriners Hospitals for Children®

Shriners Hospitals Has specialized in Burn care since the mid-1960s. We are the region’s only dedicated pediatric burn program verified by the American Burn Association and the American College of Surgeons. Patients travel from across the Western United States and even beyond our borders for care. Burn Awareness Do you know a child that we can help? Be their Angel and let us know. Please call (800) 237-5055 in the United States or (800) 361-7256 in Canada. Shriners Hospitals Has specialized in Burn care since the mid 1960's. We are the region’s only dedicated pediatric burn program verified by the American Burn Association and the American College of Surgeons. Patients travel from across the Western United States and even beyond our borders for care. World Health Organization Key Facts An estimated 180 000 deaths every year are caused by burns – the vast majority occur in low- and middle-income countries. Non-fatal burn injuries are a leading cause of morbidity. Burns occur mainly in the home and workplace. Burns are preventable. Prevention strategies should address the hazards for specific burn injuries, education for vulnerable populations and training of communities in first aid. An effective burn prevention plan should be multisectoral and include broad efforts to: improve awareness develop and enforce effective policy describe burden and identify risk factors set research priorities with promotion of promising interventions provide burn prevention programmes strenthen burn care strengthen capacities to carry out all of the above. Refer a Patient Be a Fundraiser More Information

Contact the Potentate. This page will introduce you to Our Potentate and how he represents our Shriners Fraternity. Contact the Potentate 2026 Potentate - Charles E Maddox 2026 Potentate Charles E Maddox and First Lady Emily Pins Masons And Shriners Logo 2026 Potentate - Charles E Maddox 1/13 Illustrious Sir Charles E. Maddox Ben Hur Shriners Potentate 2026 Potentates News Potentates Pins What is a Potentate & What Does the Potentate Do? The Potentate is like the Presi dent or CEO of a Company and is responsible for ensuring officers and employees carry out their duties a s described in the International By-laws. The Potentate is also responsible for the budget and complying with rules and regulations required by Shriners International and Shriners Hospital for Children. Shriners primarily support their official philanthropy, Shriners Children’s, which provides care for children with various conditions. Shriners can be found on six continents with over 200 Shrine Chapters and thousands of Shrine Clubs. They welcome all Masons to become Shriners and can help non-Masons become Masons. Shriners are More Than A Fraternity

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Shriners Definitely know how to have fun and enjoy their favorite Philanthropy Shriners Children. They conduct and attend many fun activities such as parades, games, galas, meetings, cruises, luncheons, etc. Various units and clubs have additional activities they can participate in. How Do Shriners Have Fun? Shriners are well known for their Philanthropy Shriners Children but they also know how to have a good time with one another. They conduct and attend many fun activities at their Shrine Center, with various fun units and clubs that they can become a member of. All year around there are many events that Shriners can attend such things like: parades, concerts, dinners, dances, family events, holiday events, meetings, sports events etc. It's great to be a Shriner because we have real good old fashion fun with a passion. Enjoy watching our fun times. Shriners Really Know How to Have Fun with a Purpose