OUR HISTORY

Oasis Shrine Temple was formed in 1895. In 1910 Oasis formed its first Unit. The Arab Marching Patrol, better known as "The Patrol". It is interesting to note that the first unit of any kind in all of "Shrinedom" was Zuhrah Patrol in Minneapolis, Minnesota. That marked the beginning of the organization of patrols, bands, drum corps, chanters, etc., now an inseparable part of all Shrine gatherings.

The Patrol was the only Oasis unit for several years until the band was formed in 1913. Other units were formed slowly through the years with a total of only 8 units until 1972 when the Temple began an expansion program to get more participation by its nobles. Due to this “parenthood” by the Patrol, membership was highly prized and for many years the only path to the Divan was through the Patrol. Today, the Patrol has only two Divan members, with four Past Potentates, and one Imperial Divan Member. Looking back through the years, the ranks of potentates and most other highly ranked positions in Oasis were filled with Patrolmen.

In 1913 we had 45 members meeting on Fridays except in the summer months. “The Patrol" continued to be the showcase for Oasis Temple at Imperial level. The Oasis Patrol Color Guard and The Oasis Marching Patrol was "The Number One Unit" once again this year. These quotes were taken from the Oasis archives and newspaper.

Today, the Patrol has 34 active members and 44 veterans, most of whom are also active. We still meet on Friday nights at 7:00 pm, approximately once per month except during the summer. In 2008, we get together for meetings, ceremonials, race track work, paper sales, WFNZ Dog House, etc. about 25 times. Per Temple requirements, we must meet 75% attendance, with heavy emphasis on ceremonials and Temple activities. Our ladies are most involved as we have found this to be important. Sometimes, the ladies help us work… sometimes it is their attendance at Ladies Night, a formal dinner dance to honor them each November, or maybe just getting together at the Temple on Friday nights while you meet, or even a covered dish dinner as part of a regular meeting. In any event, we make our ladies a part of us!

Annual dues are $15 and uniform costs of the new member run about $250 or less if he already owns a tuxedo, black shoes, etc. We pay our own expenses on the road with minor exceptions. We work hard and play hard as with most nobles. You see us as we tile doors at ceremonials or as we march in parades, provide the Temple Color Guard and do intricate precision drills in competition with other patrols.

Good physical condition is a must.

~ Questions ~ Needs ~ or Want To Join ~