Lady Bea Vickers, High Priestess of Arami Court No. 101
Lady Janene Hampton, Grand High Priestess of the Grand Council of LOS/NA

Upon completing their morning parade, all Nobles retired to the Shrine to conduct initiatory services for incoming candidates, leaving scattered behind at the Hotel all of the paraphernalia used in the street parade. Among these items, one of the fun-loving ladies came upon a long strand of rope. In a joyous mode, and acting on the inspiration of the moment, she began to weave a snake-like dance march through the corridors of the hotel. Other ladies, catching on and followed their leader, increased in number. As the spontaneous mood of the moment became contagious and hilarious in volume, the effect was startling and earnest. A parade of Lady novices began their changing rhythmic parade that only ended upon reaching the entrance of the huge general assembly room of the hotel.

The doors were closed, a guard set and there within this room, with dignity and sincerity, without ritual or prepared paraphernalia, the first session of the Ladies' Oriental Shrine of North America was held. On this occasion our Ladies learned they could well entertain themselves, and so, Isis Court No. 1 was organized. For many years all membership was restricted to families of Osiris Shrine, but when the reputation of Isis Court No. 1 reached Pittsburgh, they too wished to organize. With persistent demands, Allah Court and Hathor Court came into being and were organized in rapid succession.

Then followed a pressing need for a Grand body, with governing powers. With this purpose in view, representatives from the three organized Courts met in Wheeling, West Virginia, June 24, 1914, resulting in the organization of the Grand Council of the Ladies' Oriental Shrine.

Today, with a membership of over 15,000 women, there are Courts extending from coast to coast, to Canada, and to Hawaii. As set forth at the organization meeting, their goal were to create (1) sociability, (2) good fellowship, and (3) the betterment of all ladies connected with the organization.

Although the Ladies' Oriental Shrine of North America was organized primarily for pleasure and good fellowship, a vast amount of work and financial support and assistance is extended to Shriners Hospitals. Each Court assumes an obligation of helping not only in gifts of money, but by carrying out various other service projects, such as garment making or purchasing of necessary equipment for patients in the Shriners Hospitals.

ARAMI COURT NO. 101

In Wichita, Kansas Arami Court No. 101 was instituted in August 1983. Over the years the ladies of Arami Court have worked hard to support the hospitals while at the same time having fun.

UNITS & CLUBS

Kandyland Klowns - a group of "clowns" who perform at hospitals, schools and parades
Krafty Krew - a group of "crafty" ladies who learn and make crafts
Kan-Du-Dancers - a group of lively ladies who perform line dances
Klassy Kilts - a group of ladies learning to perform as a bagpipe band
Krazy Tales - a small but talented group who perform monologues and skits
Kibetzing Haz Benz - our Past High Priestess' who offer assistance to line officers in learning their duties.

Each Fall Ladies from the six-state surround area come together at the Mid-States Unit Meet. Drum and Bugle Corps, Indian Units, Clowns, Oriental Bands and Dance Groups step out onto the floor to perform for each other.

Grand Council, a week-long gathering of all the Courts is held each May.

Membership is open to any lady related to a Master Mason or Shriner, in good standing, by blood, marriage or adoption.

Ladies interested in learning more about the organization and Arami Court in particular are encouraged to contact one of these ladies
either by telephone contact or by their E-mail address.

Bea Vickers, High Priestess	(316) 942-4692
Louise Kabler, Princess	(316) 865-9363,	loukabler@aol.com
Diana Richecky, Associate Princess	(316) 943-2789,	RICECHX@aol.com
Terri Wells, PHP, Recorder	(316) 773-9651,	wwtbear@infionline.net
Cheryl Ross, PHP, Treasurer	(316) 682-8873,	momross@onemain.com
Claudia Keller, 1st Ceremonial Lady	(316) 773-3066,	claudia.keller@wichita.edu
Linda Gibson, 2nd Ceremonial Lady	(316) 361-0785,	deerangel@cox.net
Jan Hiebert, Grand Inner Guard, PHP	(316) 729-4023,	bhieb1@cox.net

Click on the link: Grand Council, Ladies' Oriental Shrine of North America,   www.ladiesorientalshrine.org

Revised June 2006

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