History of the Daughters of the Imperial Court

(Prince Hall Affiliation)

The Daughters of the Imperial Court is a historic women’s auxiliary affiliated with Prince Hall Freemasonry through the Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles Mystic Shrine (A.E.A.O.N.M.S.), commonly known as the Prince Hall Shriners.

This affiliation places the organization within one of the most enduring traditions of African American fraternal leadership, civic engagement, and community service.

Origins and Establishment (Early 1900s – 1910)

In the early 1900s, female relatives of Prince Hall Shriners formed independent local groups in Maryland, Rhode Island, and Washington, D.C. These women were devoted to fellowship, benevolence, and service, mirroring the principles upheld by the Shrine.

In 1909, representatives met with Prince Hall Shriner leadership to request the formation of a national women’s auxiliary.

August 24, 1910, during the A.E.A.O.N.M.S. annual session in Detroit, Michigan, the request was approved, officially establishing the national organization with twelve local courts.

Purpose and Principles

The organization was founded on the principles of:

● Charity

● Benevolence

● Honor and integrity

● Mutual respect

● Collective responsibility and structured service

Its symbolism reflects ancient Egyptian ideals, representing moral excellence and devotion to community uplift.

Growth and Evolution

Throughout the twentieth century, the organization expanded nationally and internationally, with courts established across the United States and abroad.

Historically known as the Daughters of Isis, the organization later adopted the name Daughters of the Imperial Court to reflect its global presence while preserving its traditions and Prince Hall Shrine affiliation.

For more than a century, the organization has stood as a pillar of leadership, empowerment, and service through scholarships, mentoring, health initiatives, and charitable outreach.

History of Suakim Court No. 54

Oasis of Wilmington — Desert of Delaware

Suakim Court No. 54 is a constituent body of the Daughters of the Imperial Court and an auxiliary of the Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles Mystic Shrine of North and South America and Its Jurisdiction.

Its mission is to unite relatives of Prince Hall Shriners in a common bond of Friendship, Charity, and Benevolence while promoting economic and social development through service, youth mentorship, and community programs.

Membership consists primarily of wives, mothers, sisters, daughters, widows, nieces, and granddaughters of Nobles and Daughters.

Founding and Chartering (1921–1922)

The history of Suakim Court No. 54 began on December 6, 1921, when a group of ladies and gentlemen met in Wilmington, Delaware, to form a club with the goal of becoming a formal court.

Founding Participants

Attendees included:

Rhetta Taylor, Mary J. Burlington, Melissa Huston, Cora T. Griffin, Elizabeth Freeman, Viola G. Hubert, Emma Blake, E.M. Cooper, Augustus Lones, Charles R. Carter, Jeremiah Blake, J.L. Hubert, Alexander Hickman, Harriet A. Burris Eliza Colbert, Fannie Brice, M.E. Thilghman, Ella Harris, Henrietta Caldwell, Anna Nedat, and Jennie Jones.

Officers Elected

● President — Rhetta Taylor

● Vice President — Jennie Jordan

● Secretary — Anna Nedat

● Treasurer — Mary Thilghman

Nobles Augusta Lones, Alexander Hickman, Charles Carter, Jeremiah Blake, and John L. Hubert assisted in organizing the club.

March 31, 1922, a delegation of fourteen Daughters from Philadelphia, including Daughter Prudence Penn of Pyramid Court No. 17, formally instituted the court. Seventeen Daughters were created, and Daughter Rhetta B. Taylor was elected the First Illustrious Commandress.

Arabia Court received its charter in 1922 and began meeting on the third Monday of each month, a tradition that continues today.

Youth Department

Nurturing the next generation of leaders through mentorship, education, and community service.

Bowling Unit

Building fellowship and community through recreational activities and friendly competition.

Early Activities and Development (1922–1946)

Between 1922 and 1946, the Court conducted fundraising efforts including contests, war stamp sales, and community feasts to support charitable initiatives and operational expenses.

In 1943, members attended the Shrinedom celebration at Young Union Church (now Mother African Union First Colored Methodist Protestant Church) in Wilmington.

In 1946, an edict required courts to adopt the names of their corresponding temples, and Arabia Court became Suakim Court No. 54.

Growth, Youth Development, and Community Presence (1958–1979)

● 1958 — First Daughters of Isis Frolic held; Illustrious Commandress Beatrice Hollis.

● 1961 — First Oriental Girls group organized under Illustrious Commandress Gladys D. Hilton.

● 1963 — Meetings held at Suakim Temple No. 60 on New Castle Avenue.

● 1973 — First Commandress Ball honoring Daughter Sudonia B. Holland.

● 1977 — Isiserettes youth group formed to mentor young ladies.

● September 1979 — Meetings moved to 412 N. DuPont Street.

Leadership, Recognition, and Program Expansion (1980s–1990s)

● 1987 — Distribution of toys and fruit baskets to children in need.

● 1988 — Isiserettes reorganized and expanded youth mentorship.

● 1989 — George W. Holland Jr. Scholarship Fund established.

● 1993 — First scholarship awarded; Chantresses organized; Drill Team re-established.

● 1996 — First mother and daughter to serve as Illustrious Commandress.

● 1998 — Chantresses won first place at the Imperial Music Festival.

Expansion, Awards, and Community Impact (2000–2010)

● Competitive drill and youth program awards

● Imperial and honorary recognitions

● Joint Court and Temple Ball initiatives

● Ronald McDonald House support and feeding programs

● “Blankets for the Homeless” outreach initiative

April 17, 2009, Suakim Court No. 54 helped establish Fez Court No. 211, Oasis of Dover, creating twenty-three new Daughters.

Continued Leadership and Service (2010–Present)

Suakim Court has continued to demonstrate resilience, leadership, and service:

● Continued youth mentorship and community outreach

● Tools for School initiative distributing supplies to hundreds of children

● Charitable contributions supporting national health and education causes

● Ongoing community feeding programs and support for shelters

● Continued operations and support during the COVID-19 pandemic

In 2021, Mina Court No. 142 was established, expanding the legacy of courts within Delaware.

Centennial Celebration and Recognition

● March 21, 2022 — Suakim Court No. 54 celebrated 100 years of leadership and service.

● May 18, 2023 — The Court received a proclamation from the City of Wilmington recognizing its charitable contributions.

Community Service and Outreach

Local Outreach

● Feeding the unhoused

● Supporting shelters for women and children

● Supporting Ronald McDonald House initiatives

National Contributions

● Sickle Cell Research

● March of Dimes

● NAACP (Lifetime Membership)

● United Negro College Fund

● American Cancer Society

Leadership and Legacy

Suakim Court No. 54 honors the Daughters and Nobles whose dedication established a legacy of excellence and service.

The Court proudly recognizes:

● 83 Past Commandresses

● Honorary Past Commandresses

● Honorary Past Imperial Commandresses

Each has contributed significantly to the growth, leadership, and enduring legacy of Suakim Court No. 54.

Current Leadership

Illustrious Advisor: Noble James R. Fitzgerald Jr., HPIP

Suakim Temple No. 60

Dt. Christol Caulk

84th Illustrious Commandress

Under her leadership, Suakim Court No. 54 continues its commitment to sisterhood, service, and community uplift while honoring its rich heritage and advancing its legacy.

Enduring Commitment

Rooted in tradition and guided by purpose, Suakim Court No. 54 remains steadfast in its mission to uplift communities, empower future generations, and uphold the principles of Friendship, Charity, and Benevolence.

Join Us

Become part of our sisterhood dedicated to service and excellence

Membership Overview

  • Dedication to community service and sisterhood

  • Opportunities for leadership development

  • Fellowship with like-minded women

  • Access to exclusive events and programs

  • Connection to a national organization

Contact Information

Interested in joining Suakim Court No. 54? We'd love to hear from you!

P.O. Box 9331 Wilmington, DE 19809 - 9331

"Bound by Sisterhood Driven by Purpose"

In Unity We Rise In Purpose We Shine

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