Shrine plaque rededication set Nov. 4

 

Rededication of the Akdar Shrine plaque, installed many years ago on the Will Rogers Memorial Museum south terrace outside wall, will follow the Indian Women’s Pocahontas Club ceremony on Friday, Nov. 4, said Paul Kelsey, Claremore, former Tulsa Akdar Shrine Potentate.

The several thousand dollar gift is being replaced and re-installed by the Tulsa Akdar Shrine.

Will petitioned to become a member of the Blue Lodge Claremore in 1905. The following year he became a Master Mason and two years later became a 32nd Degree Mason as a life member of the Indian Consistory.

On Oct. 11, 1914, he petitioned for initiation and membership in Akdar Temple in Tulsa and on Feb. 3, 1915 began a life-long membership. 

By that time, records show his occupation has changed from farmer and ranchman to “vaudeville performer”.

An exhibit in the Will Rogers Memorial Museum contains his petition for initiation into Claremore Lodge 53,  membership application and Akdar Life Membership certificate and an Akdar fez.

The Masonic Lodge laid the cornerstone when the Will Rogers Memorial Museum opened Nov. 4, 1938. Claremore Lodge 51 became Will Rogers Lodge in a renaming rite in 1979 during the  Will Rogers’ 100th birthday cerebration.

The public is invited to share in the event.