Hello to everyone,

            St. Louis has once again opened its doors and put out the “welcome mat” for the Shrine of North America. Not only will we be able to enjoy those favorite spots on the Mississippi river and in the old river street districts, we will also now revel in some new downtown hotels and night spots since our last visit in 1997.

            This famous city was the “gateway to the west” and you should make every effort to visit its many interesting museums and historic sites. No one can miss seeing the famous Arch whether you fly in or drive in; and it is well worth the time to make this one of your “must do’s”. Most people do not realize that this Arch really was built to honor one of the U.S.A.’s first presidents….Thomas Jefferson. It was this President who made the Louisiana Purchase from Napoleon and doubled the size of the U.S. at that time.  Housed in the base of one of the Arch legs is the Museum of Westward Expansion which again is a “must see”.

            I cannot take the space to extol all of St. Louis here, but a visit to the city website, explorestlouis.com ,will give you an overview of the many exciting attractions and things to do in this great city.

            St. Louis hospitality was beyond reproach in 1997 and I have been assured by the powers that be that with all the changes made since that time, the Shriners visiting from around the world will find St. Louis bigger, better, more fun and yet we will all still receive that famous St. Louisan hospitality. 

            Much work has already been done and will continue to be done by the St. Louis Moolah Shriners and we need to thank each and everyone one of them. We look forward to celebrating with them the election of their own Imperial Sir Douglas Maxwell as the Imperial Potentate for the 2008-2009 Shrine year. This is the first time a city has been able to host the ascendancy of one of its “favorite sons” to the highest office in the Shrine of North America. This is a change your Imperial Divan has been working on for years and we are so happy that it will occur right here in St. Louis, the home of the pioneering spirit.

            I invite you all to “Meet me in St. Louis” June 29 – July 3, 2008….it will be an Imperial Session you won’t forget.

Imperial Sir Bernard J. Lemieux M.D.

Imperial Potentate

Shrine of North America