El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1916-06-26
SHRINERS DUCK
"A; WIVES BEG
Ballut Abayad and Ell Mazda
Temples Give Novices
Unique Surprise Bath.

While fond wives stood by, helpless
but imploring, - novices SATURDAY.
night tasted the waters OF Lake B. n.
Hall at Elephant Butte dam The oc-
casion was the big ceremonial session
held by Ballut Abyad temple. MOBILES
OF the Mystic Shrine, OF Albuquerque,
complimentary TO e MAZDA temple OF
FL Paso, held Saturday at the dam, at
which fully $50 shriners from Ell Paso
and points in New Mexico were present.
The ceremony Of ''ducking' the can
didates was one OF the public features
of the initiatory work Driven out
onto a platform built from the top of
the dam out over the water, the blind
folded candidates were suspended from
ropes over the deep waters Of the LAKE
Then at a signal the ropes were cut,
and each unsuspecting novice fell 20
or % feet into the fathomleSs depths
and a net Many OF the nOvices were
accompanied by their wives. and these.
il is stated. pleaded that the lives OF
their loved ones might be spared
An Afternoon Of JOY.
The ceremonies were in charge Of
John W. Elder, potentate OF Ballut
Abyad temple, and his official divan.
There was a business session at p
m. This was followed by a ceremonial
session at p m when the secret
work was conferred in the theater at
a
becue, and then came the second and
third sections of the ceremonial session.
beginning at o'clock. II was during
the latter part Of this session that the
"ducking7 OF candidates was conduct
ed A large searchlight was used to
illuminate the scene
Parade Across the Dam.
There was also a parade preceding
the afternoon session when the Shriners
/ forming in line at the theste marched
he #Hwn
Sol I. Berg. ". w Evans, Eugene
. L. Harris, Del Richey and s J. Frue-
denthal were made honorary members
OF Ballut Abyad temple. an honor
which which was duly appreciated by
the FL PasO shriners.
; Mr.. Berg stated Sunday night that
. between 40 and $50 FL PasO Shriners
were present. and that there were fully
400 from Albuquerque. Santa Fe, Las
, Vegas Roswell. Silver City, Hurley and
! other points in New Mexico.
Make Camp Mt Lake.
/ Most OF the Shriners spent Saturday
! night at the dam, going into camp FOL
! lowing the close Of the ceremonial ses-
! sion, and then returned to their homes
, Sunday. The majority OF the Shriners
I went to the dam in automobiles but
| some went BY rail
The boys had wonderful time.
said Sol I Berg 1T was q great trip
and a great event, and prObs bly, the
biggest shrine event ever held in the
southwest Inc 14DQ4AGIQ4E boys dIe
great hosts. and deserve great credi;
for the big entertainment they gave.
Introduce Many New Stunts.
I The Albuquerque boys outdid them
selves" said s J. Prudential "Thev
provided a most unique entertainment
and everything that was done was done
well number OF new stunts were
introduced for the edlfication OF tht
great shrine gathering No register
was kept, but between 100 and $50 E.
arriving at a late hour Saturday night
just when the ceremonial session wa:
closing There was a big crowd from
] New MeVico towns. and all fraterniZet
in a manner that has brought the va
rious sections OF the southwest closer
together"