TEXAS MASONRY AND PUBLIC EDUCATION
The State of Texas and the Masonic Grand Lodge share a rich history. Early settlers of the wilderness
that would become known as Texas included families whose members were committed to the principles
of Freemasonry. In December 1837, their commitment resulted in the establishment of the Masonic
Grand Lodge of the Republic of Texas.
Freemasons played a key role in gaining independence from Mexico. General Sam Houston let the Texas
army to victory at San Jacinto. As President of the fledgling Republic, he presided over the meeting in
Houston when the Grand Lodge of Texas was formed. Anson Jones, the first Worshipful Master of a
Texas Lodge, was elected first Grand Master of the new Masonic Grand Lodge, and would eventually
serve as President of the Republic. The three Masonic Lodges which formed the Grand Lodge in 1837
have today grown to well over nine hundred lodges scattered across our vast state.
The role of Masons in the establishment of public education in Texas has benefitted generations of
Texans. As individuals and as members of the fraternity, Masons were influential and instrumental in
the establishment of a strong public education system. Mirabeau B. Lamar, a Freemason and the second
President of the Republic of Texas, is remembered as the founder of the Texas Public Schools and the
“Father of Education in Texas.” Lamar’s views regarding education are clearly reflected in his statement,
“The cultivated mind is the guardian genius of democracy.” This statement was adopted as the motto
for The University of Texas.
In the early days of the Republic when a Masonic Lodge was built in a community, it was usually a twostory structure. The building was designed to provide a lodge meeting room upstairs and a schoolroom
for the children of the community downstairs. Masons provided the physical space for the school and,
in many instances, paid all or part of the teachers’ salaries.
CHALK MOUNTAIN MASONIC LODGE NO. 894
U.S. Highway 67 – South of Glen Rose
In 1848, it was determined that ten percent of the revenue of Grand Lodge be appropriated to support
public schools. Today, the Masonic Grand Lodge of Texas continues to support public schools with
programs such as Take Time To Read.
It is well documented and less well known that Freemasons initiated the statewide celebration known
as Texas Public Schools Week. In 1951, Williams Jennings (Bill) Burris was Grand Master. His desire to
create a long-lasting program of collaboration with all Texas citizens directed Burris to an important
institution and invaluable resource – our public schools and our children. Since 1957, the first week of
March has been designated as a special week to celebrate our children and their educators. During
Texas Public Schools Week all citizens of Texas and especially Texas Freemasons are encouraged to visit
their local public schools and participate in the celebration. Grand Lodge records in 1952 reflect
approximately 150,000 visits made to public schools by members of lodges all across the state.
Masonic support and commitment to children is still evident. In 1988, under the leadership of Grand
Master Graham Childress, the Lamar Award of Excellence for personal Achievement was established.
The Lamar Medal is awarded to students and educators in recognition of outstanding personal
achievement in academics, citizenship, community service, or sports.
Take Time To Read gives all adult Texans and especially members of the Masonic fraternity the
opportunity to demonstrate their care and concern for the future of our children and our state. The
Grand Lodge is proud to partner with Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children to promote awareness
of the importance of reading aloud to children and the tremendous benefits it offers to all.
The Masonic Grand Lodge of Texas and Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children are proud to be
partners in a new statewide program, Take Time To Read, which promotes the importance of reading
aloud to children. This program focuses on the benefits of reading aloud and encourages adults to take
an active role in facilitating this effort.
Take Time To Read is another example of our shared commitment to
reading and making a difference in the lives of children. Through this
collaborative effort between the hospital and Texas Masons, the
challenge to Take Time To Read will reach all parts of the state.
Take Time
To Read
For information on starting a Take Time To Read program in your
community, contact:
Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children
Luke Waites Center for Dyslexia and Learning Disorders
2222 Welborn Street, Dallas, TX 75219
214-559-7885
A MASONIC PARTNERSHIP FOR CHILDREN