Platta Temple #15

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Platta Temple No. 15
A Legacy of Faith, Brotherhood, and Enduring Service
A Temple Rooted in a Storied City
Platta Temple No. 15 is privileged to be founded and flourish in the historically rich and storied city
of New Orleans, Louisiana. Shaped by French, Spanish, and American rule, the city’s legacy has
always been one of cultural diversity, resilience, and strength. As a major seaport bustling with
commerce and opportunity, New Orleans was home to many Negroes of early times who were free
men of color, some having never been enslaved. These men possessed the unique opportunity to
acquire property, build wealth, and establish tangible economic and social standing.
It was within this environment of independence and promise that Platta Temple No. 15 was born.
Founding and Early Mission
Platta Temple No. 15 was incorporated in New Orleans on November 8, 1904. From its inception,
the Temple has been guided by dedicated, committed, and proud free men of color who carried
forward the mission of the Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. This mission
was handed down from men of vision, hope, and tireless effort—men determined to create an
institution grounded in faith, brotherhood, and service.
Throughout its existence, Platta Temple No. 15 has demonstrated strength and perseverance in the
face of monumental challenges.
Endurance Through History
Platta Temple No. 15 successfully endured the complexities faced prior to the historic Supreme
Court Decision of June 3, 1929 and survived some of the most defining crises in American history,
including:
• The Great Depression
• Multiple military wars and global conflicts
• The challenges of the Civil Rights Era

At every juncture, the

Temple remained steadfast in its unwavering support of equality, justice, and
opportunity for all.
Leadership, Gratitude, and Divine Grace
As we reflect upon the distinguished roster of Illustrious Potentates, we honor the leadership that
has guided Platta Temple No. 15 and sustained its many activities throughout the decades. We are
thankful and humbled by the bountiful and divine grace that continues to carry us forward day by
day.
We recognize and acknowledge these blessings with gratitude, humility, and renewed commitment.
A Tradition of Community Service
Service to humanity has always been central to the mission of Platta Temple No. 15. Over the years,
our charitable outreach has included:
• Distribution of toys for the Times-Picayune Doll & Toy Fund
• Fundraising “Can Shakes” for the March of Dimes / Easter Seal Foundation
• Support for the National Diabetes Association
• Fundraising for Sickle Cell Anemia Telethons in New Orleans and Houma, Louisiana
• Clown Unit performances at:
o Children’s Hospital
o Prince Hall Legal Defense Fund events
o NAACP functions
o Ronald McDonald House
Through these countless acts of service, Platta Temple No. 15 has remained a visible force for
compassion and care within the community.
Shrine Clubs and Specialized Units
The strength of Platta Temple No. 15 is reflected in its affiliated Shrine Clubs and specialty units,
including:
• Bogalusa Shrine Club, first headed by R.O. Lucas
o Later evolved into the Bogalusa/North Shore Shrine Club

Now known as the North Shore Shrine Club
• West Side Shrine Club, first led by Andrew T. Robinson
• Houma Shrine Club, first headed by Clarence Holmes
• Motor Patrol, first operated by Clifford Magee and David Crier
• Dune Buggy Patrol, first led by William J. Harris
• Grenadier Club (presently inactive)
• World Champion Bicycle Unit, first headed by HPIP Herbert Dunbar
Each club and unit has played a vital role in strengthening fellowship, visibility, and service.
Honoring Our Noble Servants
In addition to the Illustrious Potentates who have led this Temple, we proudly honor the many
Nobles whose dedication and sacrifice have enriched the storied history of Platta Temple No. 15.
Among them:
• Past Potentate Joseph C. Long, Past Deputy of the Desert of Louisiana, who continues to
serve with unwavering devotion.
• Noble Richard A. Theodore, Sr., who joined Platta Temple No. 15 in April 1916. A tireless
advocate in support of litigation leading to the Supreme Court Decision of June 3, 1929, he
served the Temple faithfully for 66 years and was named an Honorary Past Potentate.
We also reverently remember those Nobles who served at the Imperial level and have been called
home by the Black Camel of Death, including:
• Robert J. Vanhook, Jr. — Longtime Recorder, HPIP
• Marcus Neusadter — Publicity, HPIP
• Earle L. Bradford — Grand Master, HPIP
• Howard J. Turner, Jr. — Publicity and Imperial Deputy of the Desert, HPIP
• Oliver P. Aaron — Imperial Marshal
Their legacies remain forever etched in the annals of this Temple.
Continuing Imperial Leadership
Nobles of Platta Temple No. 15 presently serving the Imperial Council include:
• HPIP Deshannon Shabazz — Imperial Auditor

Frederick Bell — Imperial Convention Director
• Richard A. Theodore, Jr. — Imperial Deputy of the Oasis Emeritus
• Jackie Robinson — Imperial Deputy of the Oasis Emeritus
• HPIP William Jelks — Imperial Deputy of the Oasis
• HPIP Percy Dunbar — Imperial Deputy Motor Patrol Emeritus
• Warren Spears — Imperial Director of Media & Publicity Emeritus
• HPIP Herbert Dunbar — Imperial Deputy, Bicycle Department
• Patrick Williams, HPP — Imperial Chanter of the Koran
• HPIP Edmund Melder — Imperial Chief Deputy of Security
A Temple of the Deep South
As a proud Temple of the Deep South, Platta Temple No. 15 has steadily increased its participation
in Imperial Council affairs and has become a highly favored Oasis for convening Annual Sessions.
Our Resolve
With reverence for the past and commitment to the future, Platta Temple No. 15 resolves to move
forward—strengthening its foundation, magnifying its impact, and continuing its mission of service
within the greater community.
Past Illustrious Potentates
(Complete list preserved exactly as provided — formatted for ceremonial clarity)
1904–1919 — Unavailable
1920–1930 — A. W. Brazier
1931–1944 — J. J. Riley
1945–1947 — M. H. Carter
1947–1948 — E. W. Duncan
1948–1949 — Gilbert W. Smith
1949–1952 — Andrew Hebert
1953–1959 — C. L. Speaker
1960–1962 — Herman P. Bush
1963–1964 — Henry Citizen
1965–1966 — Jesse L. Wicker

1967–1968 — Oliver P. Aaron
1969 — Wilfred Duplessis
1970–1971 — Louis Keelen
1972–1975 — Richard A. Theodore, Jr.
1976–1977 — Alexander J. Fulton
1978–1979 — Joseph McAlfred
1980 — Howard Turner
1981–1982 — Henry Hunter
1983–1985 — Joseph C. Long, Sr.
1986–1987 — Elroy LeBlanc
1988–1989 — George Hansberry
1990–1991 — Huey Hill
1992–1993 — Joshua C. Clark
1993–1995 — Fred Bell
1996 — Kenneth Hall
1997–1998 — David Reed
1999–2000 — Raymond Boseman
2001–2002 — Warren Spears
2003–2004 — Charles Hawkins
2005–2006 — Jackie Robinson
2007–2008 — Cornell Manuel
2009–2010 — Joseph C. Long, Jr.
2011–2012 — Rene Watson, Sr.
2013–2014 — Alvin C. Harrison, Jr.
2015–2016 — Christopher Richard, Sr.
2017–2018 — Reginald Beaco, Jr.
2019–2020 — David D. Jefferson, Sr.
2021–2022 — Freud N. Alexandre
2023–2024 — Kernell E. Green, Jr.

2025--2026 ----- JAMES L SMALL
Honorary Past Imperial Potentates & Honore
Honorary Past Imperial Potentates
HPIP Sammie McGowan
HPIP Fred Bell
HPIP William G. Jelks
HPIP Warren Spears
HPIP Wilbert Thomas, Sr.
HPIP Floyd Truehill

HPIP Edmund Melder
HPIP Herbert Dunbar
HPIP Adam Blazio
HPIP Percy Dunbar
HPIP Holly Thompson
Additional Honorees
James Allen · Winston Burden · Ralph Pressey · Leonard Couzan · William Atlas · Charles Gilbert ·
Patrick Williams · James Gooden · Henry Miller · Randy Maneau · Edward Russell · Henry Smith, Jr.
Preserving the past. Honoring the present. Advancing the future.