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Rising Star Lodge No. 688 was Chartered by The Grand Lodge of Texas on December 20, 1890.  Officers included: D. H. Petts, Worshipful Master; F. R. Duns, Senior Warden; and B. F. Terry, Junior Warden.

Texas Freemasonry 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 led 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 benefited Generations.  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 two-story 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. 

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 T o Read. 

It is well documented and less well known that Freemasons initiated the statewide celebration known as Texas public Schools Week.  In 1951, William 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 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.

Famous Quotes Archive:

"I shall not waste my days in trying to prolong them."
Ian L. Fleming (1908-1964)

"Glory is fleeting, but obscurity is forever."
Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821)
"In a small Lodge, past and present are  closely linked, almost too close to tell the difference."
(Unknown)

The schools ain't what they used to be and never was.
(Will Rogers)

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