What is a DIVAN?

In the context of the Shrine, the Divan is the “board of directors” or “executive council” of the organization and serves as the management team for both fraternal and business activities of the Temple. Each Shrine Temple has its own Divan, and the minimum number of Divan members is set by Imperial by-laws at five, with each of these being elected by the Nobility (membership). Therefore, all Shrine Temples have at least five members on the Divan, but some have seven. For most temples that have more than five members on the Divan, the additional positions are usually appointed by the Potentate. Like most Masonic organizations, the Divan is usually a “progressive” line, which means that one new person is appointed or elected to the line each year, the other members of the Divan move “up” one position, and the top man retires from the line and becomes a Past Potentate. In addition, two more elected officers are considered part of the Divan, namely the Recorder (Secretary) and Treasurer. These two officers, however, are not usually part of the “progressive” line and may serve in the same office for more than one year (if so elected).

Each position in the line has its own title, derived from the Arabic tradition, and each has its own set of defined duties and responsibilities. Potentates (both past and present) are addressed as “Illustrious Sir”, Imperial Potentates (both past and present) and members of the Imperial Divan are addressed as “Imperial Sir”, while all other Shriners are addressed as “Noble”. Assuming an individual is re-appointed and/or re-elected to the Divan each year, in the time it takes to move up from Outer Guard to Potentate, he will have had exposure to and responsibility for every aspect of Khiva’s operation. In order from top to bottom, they are:

• Potentate — President or CEO of the organization
• Chief Rabban
• Assistant Rabban
• High Priest and Prophet
• Oriental Guide
• Treasurer
• Recorder

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Shrine Leadership positions have, for the newcomer, odd-sounding titles. In addition, some positions are elected and some are appointed. Appointments are made by the sitting Potentate.

Potentate – This is, essentially, the President of the Shrine Temple. It is an elected position. The Nobles vote, annually, for their choice of Potentate. Chief Rabban – 1st Vice President. As with the Potentate, this is also an elected position. It is expected that Chief Rabban will, the following year, be elected to the position of Potentate.

Assistant Rabban – 2nd Vice President. This is also an elected position. It is expected that Assistant Rabban will, the following year, be elected to the position of Chief Rabban.

High Priest and Prophet – 3rd Vice President. Another elected position. It is expected that the High Priest and Prophet will, the following year, be elected to the position of Assistant Rabban.

Oriental Guide – 4th Vice President – Yet another elected position. In some Temples, this is an appointment of the incoming Potentate, but then he has to be elected by the Nobility to become Oriental Guide. It is expected that the Oriental Guide will, the following year, be elected to the position of High Priest and Prophet.

The appointed officers by the Potentate include the First Ceremonial Master, Second Ceremonial Master, Marshal, Captain of the Guard, Outer Guard, and Chaplain.

Two other elected and critical positions are:
Treasurer – just what it sounds like
Recorder – Secretary and more!
The Board of Directors for the Temple, as with any board, governs the Temple. They are the Management Team. An older term is “Divan” and the Ladies are the “Divan Ladies.”

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“I pledge allegiance to my flag, and to the country for which it stands; one nation under
God; indivisible; with liberty and justice for all.”

Shriners and their Ladies should show respect for all flags and anthems. Women should have one hand over their hearts during the anthem and hands respectfully at the side of others.

For more information or if you would like to join, please visit the following URLs:
– https://anahshriners.org/
– https://khivashrine.com/what-is-a-divan/
– https://www.oasisshriners.org/
– http://www.cahabashrine.org/
– https://aeaonms.org/
– https://grandlodgeofkentucky.org/?page_id=1256
– https://elriad.org/history-of-shriners-international/
– https://www.facebook.com/groups/2366910170080888
– https://www.marineband.marines.mil/Audio-Resources/The-Complete-Marches-of-John-Philip-Sousa/Nobles-of-the-Mystic-Shrine/

Or, go to the MASONIC LODGE LIST and select the appropriate lodge in your jurisdiction.