ELIZABETHTOWN — Members of the Bladen County Shrine Club met recently at the Woodman of the World building in Elizabethtown to install the new officers for 2010.

Jimmie Smith, outgoing president, thanked the Shriners and told them they were instrumental in the club raising $11,000 to give to the Sudan Temple in New Bern for the Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Smith said, “for a small Shrine Club, the Bladen County Club certainly does its part to provide medical care for needy children around the country.”

Although the annual fish fry in years past have raised more money, Smith said he felt the struggling economy may have impacted fish sales this past year. Regardless, he thanked the many volunteers who have helped over the years with the fish fry as it could not have been pulled off without them. Also, the club’s sincere appreciation was extended to those who provided other resources which made the fish fry possible. For, without the volunteers and other agencies assistance, the Bladen County Shrine Club could not hold such a successful fish fry.

The club also raised $3,000 from a golf tournament in November and sent that money to the Temple for the Shriners Hospitals for Children.

At the meeting, the new officers for 2010 were installed. Attending the installation ceremony from the Shrine Temple in New Bern were Potentate Ralph “Aubrey” Nichols, and his Lady Linda, high priest, and Prophet Steve Norris, Assistant Rabban Bruce Bullock and First Ceremonial Master Rick Jackson. Nichols performed the installation ceremony and afterwards thanked the outgoing and incoming presidents for their support of the temple and the Children's Hospitals. He also thanked the many volunteers and the Bladen County Shrine Club for what they do to make the club a valuable member of the Sudan Temple.

Incoming President Creech thanked the visiting Nobles, the club members and told them he was looking forward to a prosperous 2010. Creech, who has been club president previously, said "he is very excited about serving again and wants this year to be a banner year for the Shrine Club.