More Than Brotherhood — A Brotherhood in Motion
The Desert of Louisiana is a constituent jurisdiction of the A.E.A.O.N.M.S., Inc. — one of the most distinguished branches of Prince Hall Freemasonry in the world. Across our Temples, Nobles unite under a single, enduring purpose: to serve.
That service takes many forms — mentoring young men finding their path, supporting families in need, building scholarships that open doors, and leading civic conversations that shape the communities we call home.
What you find here isn't a club. It's a calling, answered together.
Nobility Through Service
The Desert of Louisiana cultivates fellowship among Prince Hall Shriners while driving real impact through charitable programs, mentorship, educational support, and civic engagement. We are guided by six uncompromising values.
Charity
Giving freely, without expectation — in schools, neighborhoods, and communities in need.
Integrity
Doing right when no one is watching. A standard that lives in conduct, not ceremony.
Leadership
Serving so others may rise — in the community, in the lodge, and in the home.
Brotherhood
Bonds that endure across time and distance, outlasting titles, careers, and seasons.
Community Empowerment
Uplift as obligation, not option. We show up — at health fairs, in classrooms, at civic tables.
Fraternal Excellence
Holding ourselves to the highest standard: meaningful impact, preserved dignity.
Serving Louisiana — Not Just in Words
The Nobles of the Desert of Louisiana show up. In schools, in neighborhoods, at health fairs, and at the tables where decisions are made.
Nationally, A.E.A.O.N.M.S. initiatives include diabetes awareness, educational scholarships, youth mentoring, and community outreach across the entire Domain. The Desert of Louisiana carries that mission home.
- Youth Mentorship Programs
- Scholarship & Student Aid
- Community Health Awareness
- School Supply Drives
- Civic Engagement & Outreach
- Family Support Programs
“Prince Hall Shrinedom has never been about ceremony alone. It has always been about what men of character do when they stand together.”
Within the Desert of Louisiana, Nobles include educators, veterans, entrepreneurs, clergy, civic leaders, and working men — different in background, unified in purpose.
Become Part of the Legacy
Membership in the Desert of Louisiana is an invitation — to lead, to serve, to belong to something with roots and a future.
About the Desert of Louisiana
We are a constituent jurisdiction of the Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles Mystic Shrine, Inc. — a Prince Hall Shriners body committed to service, tradition, and the ongoing work of uplifting communities across Louisiana.
Rooted in Tradition. Focused on What's Next.
For generations, Prince Hall Shriners have represented the best of leadership, fellowship, and civic responsibility. Visible in their communities. Committed to their families. Accountable to the values their Order demands.
The Desert of Louisiana continues that tradition — not as a matter of habit, but as a matter of conviction.
Our Temples throughout Louisiana serve as living centers of fraternal engagement, charitable service, and community connection. Inspired by the international vision of the A.E.A.O.N.M.S., we remain dedicated to honoring our past, serving our present, and investing in a future worthy of the legacy we've inherited.
A Legacy Built Over a Century
The Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles Mystic Shrine was founded in 1893. What began as a fraternal vision has grown into an international organization of thousands of Nobles — united by a commitment to benevolence, charity, and service.
Through times of change, challenge, and growth, the Nobles of this Desert have remained constant in their dedication to brotherhood, community, and the proud traditions of Prince Hall Shrinedom. Our Nobles continue writing the next chapter of a story that belongs to all of us.
Six Principles. One Standard.
Brotherhood
Relationships built on trust, respect, and genuine unity — for life.
Charity
Giving back to communities through outreach, mentorship, and benevolent action.
Leadership
Developing men who lead through integrity, accountability, and service.
Legacy
Preserving the history and traditions of Prince Hall Shrinedom for those who come after.
Community
Creating visible, measurable impact throughout Louisiana — not just promises.
Excellence
Holding every Noble to the highest standard in conduct, service, and fraternal engagement.
Our Place in the Domain
Imperial Council
The governing body of the A.E.A.O.N.M.S. — setting policy, upholding standards, and directing landmark initiatives such as the National Diabetes Initiative.
aeaonms.org ↗Deep South Shriners Coalition
A regional alliance of Prince Hall Shriners Deserts across the Deep South — sharing resources, coordinating events, and speaking with a unified voice.
Visit Coalition ↗Deputies of Oasis
Appointed representatives of the Imperial Potentate who provide oversight, guidance, and Temple Line Officer Training throughout the Desert.
LeadershipDesert Officers
The officers of the Desert of Louisiana lead with honor, accountability, and an unwavering commitment to the mission of Prince Hall Shrinedom.
Serving the Desert
2025 Desert Divan · Revised 2/26. Questions? Contact the Desert.
Imperial Officers (Elected)
Potentates, Recorders & Deputies
Platta Temple #15
Abduhl Temple #94
Al Kadr Temple #153
Ismael Temple #154
Ghudar Temple #161
Jomadi Temple #171
Jaffa Temple #181
Al Jinn Temple #232
Ma’Mun Temple #249
Dubar Temple #250
Akilah Temple #283
Giza Temple #287
Department Directors
HPIP Dwayne P. Terrance
HPIP Dwayne P. Terrance serves as Imperial Deputy of the Desert of Louisiana, presiding over the official activities of the Desert and representing Louisiana at State and Imperial Council sessions.
A Past Potentate of Al Jinn Temple No. 232 and Honorary Past Imperial Potentate of the A.E.A.O.N.M.S., Inc., he has risen through nearly every degree of Prince Hall Masonry. A proud son of Lafayette, Louisiana, he continues to advance the mission of Prince Hall Shrinedom with purpose and distinction.
- Imperial Deputy of the Desert, Louisiana — A.E.A.O.N.M.S., Inc.
- R.W. Grand Junior Warden
- District Deputy Grand Master, 6th Masonic District
- Patron, Bernice W. Batiste Chapter No. 189, Order of Eastern Star
- Past Potentate — Al Jinn Temple No. 232
- Honorary Past Imperial Potentate — A.E.A.O.N.M.S., Inc.
- Past Master — Antioch Lodge No. 156, F. & A.M.
- Past High Priest — Audrey G. Charles Chapter No. 59, Holy Royal Arch Masons
- Thrice Illustrious Master — Johnnie Carter III Council No. 3, Royal & Select Masters
- Past Eminent Commander — Col. James Lewis Commandery No. 20, Knights Templar
- Past Commander-in-Chief — R. B. Jones Consistory No. 298, AASR Southern Jurisdiction
“Leadership in the Desert of Louisiana is not a title — it is a responsibility to every Noble, every Temple, and every community we serve.”
Serving Louisiana Communities
The Desert of Louisiana supports youth mentorship, scholarships, health awareness, and community outreach across Louisiana through the A.E.A.O.N.M.S. platform.
Where Our Nobles Show Up
Youth Mentorship
Nobles work directly with young men across Louisiana — providing guidance, accountability, and the example of principled manhood.
Scholarship & Student Aid
Educational scholarships and student support that open doors for students who need someone in their corner.
Community Health
Health fairs, diabetes awareness campaigns, and wellness outreach for healthier Louisiana communities.
School Supply Drives
Every student deserves the tools to learn. Our drives help Louisiana children start the year ready.
Civic Engagement
Voter education, community forums, and a tradition of informed leadership at the tables where decisions are made.
Family Support
Brotherhood extends beyond the lodge — family-centered programs strengthen the households our Nobles call home.
Events & Gatherings
From ceremonials to community outreach, the Desert is always in motion. Contact your Temple to join the notification list.
2026 Annual Desert Training
Hosted by the Oasis of Monroe, Saturday, October 17, 2026. Nobles and Daughters gather for the Desert’s annual training.
Imperial Council Session
The governing assembly of the Order. Louisiana Nobles attend as representatives of the Desert.
Ceremonials & Installations
Annual ceremonials and investiture ceremonies honoring new and existing Nobles.
Deep South Coalition Meetings
Regional gatherings for fellowship and coordination across Deep South Deserts.
Health Fairs & Supply Drives
Diabetes awareness, screenings, and school supply drives organized by Temples statewide.
A.E.A.O.N.M.S. Initiatives
Nationally, A.E.A.O.N.M.S. initiatives touch thousands of lives every year. This is why the fez matters — not as a symbol of achievement, but as a sign of obligation.
- National Diabetes Initiative
- Shriners as Mentors
- Roscoe C. Washington Student Aid
- Voter Registration & Education
- Book Bag Program
Boots on the Ground
Desert of Louisiana, A.E.A.O.N.M.S. and Daughters — news, resources, and support for the veterans and service members in our Temples and families.
Edition 29 · October 15, 2026
Current Newsletter
In this issue: avoiding fake VA phone numbers and scams, the VR&E Veteran Orientation Express, SBA Veterans Business Outreach Centers, and VA end-of-life planning benefits.
Resources & Benefits
Reference documents for veterans, service members, and families will be linked here.
Documents coming soonPast Editions
An archive of previous editions will be collected here as documents are added.
Archive coming soonVeterans & Military Affairs
Have news or a story to share?
Tell us about a Noble, family member, or program that serves our veterans.
Our Temples
The Desert of Louisiana is composed of constituent Temples whose Nobles embody the mission of Prince Hall Shrinedom throughout the state. Find the Temple nearest you.
Where Nobles Gather
- Fraternal fellowship and ceremony
- Community engagement and service
- Leadership development at every stage
- Family-centered activities and events
- Charitable outreach and civic support
Become Part of the Legacy
Membership in the Desert of Louisiana is an invitation — to lead, to serve, to belong to something with roots and a future.
What Membership Actually Looks Like
It's a set of relationships that span the state and beyond. A seat at tables where decisions get made. A fellowship of men who've chosen — deliberately — to give more than they take.
Lifelong Brotherhood
Brotherhood with men of integrity across Louisiana and the broader A.E.A.O.N.M.S. domain.
Leadership Development
Growth through service and fraternal engagement at every level of the Order.
State & Imperial Access
State and Imperial events and the wider A.E.A.O.N.M.S. network across the Domain.
Visible Impact
Community service that creates lasting, visible change throughout Louisiana.
Cultural Enrichment
Ceremonial traditions built over more than a century of Prince Hall Shrinedom.
Family Fellowship
A family-oriented community that extends beyond you — enriching those you love.
Are You Ready?
Membership requires one foundational qualification. If you meet it, the next step is connecting with a Temple in your area.
Master Mason in good standing within the Prince Hall Affiliation
Speak with a Noble at your nearest Temple
The Call Is Yours to Answer.
A legacy this long doesn't knock twice. The men who make up our Temples gave something to join — and they'll tell you it's been worth every moment.
Give & Get Involved
Your support funds youth mentorship, scholarships, health awareness, and community outreach that shapes Louisiana for generations to come.
Every Gift Moves the Mission
How You Can Engage
Become a Noble
Master Masons in good standing within the Prince Hall Affiliation are eligible for membership.
Learn MoreVolunteer
Community members who share our values are welcome at outreach events, supply drives, and health fairs.
Express InterestPartner With Us
Organizations, businesses, and civic groups are invited to explore partnership with the Desert.
Get in TouchSend Us a Message
A Noble will respond to your inquiry. We welcome questions about membership, events, Temples, community programs, and partnership.