Ali Temple No. 257, Oasis of Jacksonville, Desert of North Carolina began with a vision to establish a presence of the Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine in Jacksonville, North Carolina. Under the leadership of Past Potentate Jefferey Barrett and several members of good standing from Arabian Temple No. 42 of New Bern, North Carolina, the vision became a reality. In November 2017, a request was submitted by PP Jeffery Barrett and the other members to create a temple in Jacksonville, North Carolina. On January 12, 2018, Ali Temple was constituted Under Dispensation (UD). On August 23, 2018, at the 125th Imperial Session of the AEAONMS in New Orleans, Louisiana, Ali Temple received their charter and became Ali Temple No. 257.
The first chartered principal officers were Noble Jeffery Barrett (Illustrious Potentate), Noble Daniel I. Lewis (Chief Rabban), and Noble John B. Withers, Jr (Assistant Rabban). Ali Temple has become a pillar of strength in the Jacksonville community by providing aid and assistance to our elderly, mentoring and providing scholarships to our youth, and supporting those in need. Ali Temple No. 257 will continue to be a force in the Jacksonville community and shadow the words of the great Muhammad Ali, “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth.”
We are determined to be a premiere fraternal organization whose primary objective is to support the youth; provide scholarships to deserving high school seniors and first year college students. Participate in community service initiatives, visit the elderly and most importantly, make a difference in the community.