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

Daughters of Isis

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


The purpose of this fraternal organization is to unite the relatives of members of the Ancient Egyptian Arabic Nobles of the Mystic Shrine in a common bond of Friendship, Charity, and Benevolence. Suakim Court No. 54 tries to broaden the economic and social development of the community by supporting services to the needy, mentoring the youth, and promoting positive programs throughout the domain.


The History of Suakim Court No. 54 began December 6, 1921, when a group of ladies and gentlemen met in Wilmington, Delaware to form a club with the hopes of becoming a Court. Those in attendance were: 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 Jordon

● Secretary — Anna Nedat

● Treasurer — Mary Thilghman

Nobles that aided in the formation of the club were Nobles Augustus Lones, Alexander Hickman, Charles Carter, Jeremiah Blake, and John L Hubert.

After meeting for several months on March 31, 1922, a delegation of (14) Daughters which included Daughter Prudence Penn and Daughter Keiser of Pyramid Court No. 17 traveled from Philadelphia to make this club a court. Seventeen (17) Daughters were created, and Daughter Rhetta B. Taylor was elected the First Illustrious Commandress March 31, 1922. 

Other officers elected were:

1st Lt. Commandress
Eliza Colbert
2nd Lt Commandress
Jennie Jordon
High Priestess
Mary E. Oliver
Oriental Guide
Violet G Hubert
1st Ceremonial Daughter
Cora Griffin
2nd Ceremonial Daughter
Elizabeth Freeman
Recordress
Anna Nedat
Treasurer
Elizabeth Garner
Inside Spy
Fannie Brice
Outside Spy
Nannie Cone
Instructor
Noble Charles Carter

Daughter Prudence Penn of Pyramid Court No. 17 installed the officers.

Arabia Court received their charter in 1922. A request was granted by the Masonic Temple to let the Daughters rent a room and hold meetings on the 3rd Monday of every month. 

From 1922 to 1946 the daughters had unique projects to raise money. These projects included the Miss America Contest, selling war stamps and a feast in the wilderness. The Illustrious Commandresses were given a stipend of less than one hundred dollars to attend the Imperial Session. 

In 1943, the Daughters attended fifty years of Shrinedom celebration at Young Union Church on French Street. This church is now called Mother African Union First Colored Methodist Protestant Church located 812 N Franklin Street, Wilmington, Delaware,

In 1946, an edict was passed that all Courts would use the name of the Temples and Arabia Court became Suakim Court No. 54.

For nearly nine decades, Suakim Court No. 54 was the only Court in Delaware, a testament to its distinctive role and historical importance. It wasn't until April 17, 2009, that Fez Court No. 211 was established, marking a pivotal moment in our history. Suakim Court No. 54, alongside Pyramid Court No. 17 and Minaret Court No. 154 from the Desert of Pennsylvania, played a crucial role in founding the Fez Isis Club, creating twenty-three Daughters who joined Fez Court No. 211 Oasis of Dover, Desert of Delaware. In 2021, our third Court, Mina No. 142, joined our esteemed lineage.

On March 21, 2022, Suakim Court No. 54 proudly commemorated 100 years of leadership and service. On May 18, 2023, the Court was honored to receive a Proclamation from the City of Wilmington in recognition of its charitable contributions to the city and the greater New Castle County community.

Our ongoing local outreach efforts include:

• Volunteering in assisted living communities for seniors
• Organizing and supporting events for the Special Olympics of Delaware
• Supporting shelters for women and children experiencing homelessness
• Assisting families at the Alfred I. DuPont Ronald McDonald House
• Partnering with the Rosehill Community Center
• Hosting clothing and shoe drives throughout New Castle County, DE
• Organizing community blood drives
• Leading Back-to-School initiatives to provide supplies and backpacks
• Awarding merit and book scholarships to students
• Promoting civic engagement through voter registration initiatives
• Honoring veterans through Wreaths Across America
• Supporting disaster relief efforts through the Red Cross

On a national scale, our charitable contributions include:

• Supporting Sickle Cell research
• Participating in the National Community Health Initiative
• Contributing to the March of Dimes
• Maintaining a Lifetime Membership with the NAACP
• Supporting the UNCF
• Donating to the American Cancer Society
• Advancing initiatives that support Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)

Suakim Court No. 54 takes pride in the Daughters and Nobles who established the foundation upon which we continue to build. We honor the legacy of excellence that has been present since our inception, striving to fulfill the needs of our community through support and leadership.

We extend our gratitude and salute each Illustrious Commandress for their leadership and kindness throughout their tenure. Suakim Court has eighty-three actual Past Commandresses, eleven Honorary Past Commandresses, and four Honorary Past Imperial Commandresses, all of whom have made remarkable contributions to the Imperial Court and the rich history of Suakim Court No. 54.

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

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.

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.

Past Illustrious Commandresses

Honoring a Century of Leadership & Service

1922 – Present

Actual Past Illustrious Commandresses

Year Served Daughter's Name
1922–26Dt.Rhetta B. Taylor
1927–28Dt.Ada Johnson
1929Dt.Henrietta Caldwell
1930Dt.Rebecca Bell
1931–33Dt.Earle Cass
1934–35Dt.Mary E. Washington
1936–39Dt.Ethel Mason
1940–42Dt.Eva Saunders
1943Dt.Mary Deree
1944Dt.Hattie S. Blackwell
1945Dt.Emma Deshields
1946Dt.Betty Tyler
1947Dt.Hattie Barkley
1948Dt.Charlotte Bridgett
1949Dt.Emma L. Thomas
1950Dt.Emma Graham
1951–52Dt.Mae D. Harris
1953–54Dt.Rella Holmes
1955Dt.Sarah L. Robinson
1956Dt.Lucille Tate
1957–58Dt.Beatrice Hollis
1959Dt.Clara Pitts
1960Dt.Alverda S. Taylor
1961–62Dt.Gladys D. Hilton
1963–64Dt.Dorothy Johnson
1965Dt.Mazie Washington
1966Dt.Ella M. Waters
1967–68Dt.Vernell B. Banks
1969Dt.Cara L. Campbell
1970–71Dt.Marion R. Wynder
1972Dt.Leora R. Ayers
1973Dt.Sudonia B. Holland
1974Dt.Annie R. Copeland
1975Dt.Adlene Clark
1976Dt.Evelyn E. Blount
1977Dt.Lillian Ramsey
1978Dt.Gertrude Hall
1979Dt.Sandra Turner
1980Dt.Lenore E. Waite
1981–82Dt.Mildred Marshall
1983Dt.Ethel B. Saunders
1984Dt.Naomi G. Young
Year Served Daughter's Name
1985Dt.Audrey J. Butler
1986Dt.Alice Q. Robinson
1987Dt.Anna Sims
1988Dt.Shirley Moses
1989Dt.Marilyn Monk
1990Dt.Courtney Stevenson
1991Dt.Ophelia B. Mosley
1992Dt.M. Loretta Snow
1993Dt.R. Leona Norris
1994Dt.Erethia Evans
1995Dt.Mary Fitzgerald
1996Dt.Gloria Saunders
1997Dt.Mary Bayard
1998Dt.Mary Thorpe
1999Dt.Sheila Marlowe
2000Dt.Delores Benson
2001Dt.Nancy R. Harris
2002Dt.Patricia Thomas
2003Dt.Diane Perdue
2004Dt.Deitra Lafate
2005Dt.Roslyn F. Benson
2006Dt.Joyce Johnson-Tate
2007Dt.Tammy Lum
2008Dt.Bernadette P. Winston
2009Dt.Gloria Thomas
2010Dt.Victoria Ward
2011Dt.Deana (Hall) Lum
2012Dt.Virginia Saunders
2013Dt.Joyce Redden
2014Dt.Saundra O. King
2015Dt.Sandra Lee
2016Dt.Mechelle R. Rochester
2017Dt.Dena Wilson
2018Dt.Doris Jeffers
2019Dt.Angelia McNair
2020Dt.Loretta Legette
2021Dt.Maala G. Hardy
2022Dt.Angela C. Garland
2023Dt.Yvonne Dixon
2024Dt.Deborah Coleman
2025Dt.Dana A. Brady

Honorary Commandresses

Recognized for Exceptional Contributions to Imperial Court & Community

Honorary Past Imperial
Commandresses

8 Honorees

# Daughter's Name
1
Dt. Earie Cass
2
Dt. Dorothy A. Johnson
3
Dt. Sudonia B. Holland
4
Dt. Anna Sims
5
Dt. M. Loretta Snow
6
Dt. Mary Myrick
7
Dt. Doris Jeffers
8
Dt. Bernadette P. Winston

Deceased  ·  We honor their memory and lasting legacy.

Honorary Past
Commandresses

10 Honorees

# Daughter's Name
1
Dt. Fannie E. Caulk
2
Dt. Alfreda F. Dean
3
Dt. Dorothy A. Norris
4
Dt. Hazel F. Fitzgerald
5
Dt. Katherine Butler
6
Dt. Mary Guy
7
Dt. Phyllis Newman
8
Dt. Audrey McLauren
9
Dt. Helen Dixon
10
Dt. Vic Parker

Deceased  ·  We honor their memory and lasting legacy.

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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