An exciting new Texas initiative is expanding the Masonic mission throughout the state while helping to improve the lives of children. The new outreach program, "Take Time To Read," promotes awareness about the importance of reading aloud to children and encourages adults to participate in read-aloud activities with children. The program is designed to serve as an inspirational model for other states throughout the country. While the Texas initiative is just getting underway, the effort is closely tied to Freemasonry’s longtime support of education in Texas.
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Participating in recent ceremonies initiating the "Take Time To Read" program are (l. to r.) Grand Commander C. Fred Kleinknecht, 33°; Priscilla Vail, noted author on literacy and learning; Elizabeth Cantrill, Outreach Coordinator, Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children (TSRHC) in Dallas; Ill. Sam E. Hilburn, 33°, S.G.I.G. in Texas and Chairman of the Board of Directors, TSRHC; and M.W. William Michael (Mike) Gower, Grand Master, Grand Lodge of Texas. |
Reading aloud is one of the most valuable gifts you can give to a child. This simple act can serve as the cornerstone for educational success. Reading aloud to children for only 10 to 20 minutes a day can result in tremendous, lifelong benefits. Reading aloud helps children develop an understanding and appreciation of language and communication, preparing them for learning to read. It also helps them develop good listening skills while expanding their attention spans. Reading aloud stimulates imagination and inspires creativity. It also helps to instill values and develop critical thinking skills. Perhaps most significantly, reading aloud creates a bond between the adult and child. In addition to the educational benefits, the shared reading experience is fun for children and adults!
Masonic traditions teach us a lot about the importance of education. In Texas, Masons have a rich heritage of impacting education. In fact, Masons were not only influential, but also instrumental, in the establishment of a strong public education system in Texas. Bro. Mirabeau B. Lamar, raised a Master Mason in Harmony Lodge No. 6, Galveston, Texas, was the second president of the Republic of Texas (1838–41). He is remembered as the founder of the Texas public school system and the "Father of Education" in Texas.
In the early days of the Texas Republic, Masonic Lodges were routinely built as two-story structures designed to serve as Lodge meeting rooms upstairs and children’s school-rooms downstairs. Masons not only provided the facilities for schools; in many instances, they also paid for all or part of the teachers’ salaries. In the 1800s, 10 percent of the revenue of the Grand Lodge of Texas was pledged to support public schools.
Freemasons are also responsible for the statewide celebration known as "Texas Public Schools Week." In 1951, M.W. William "Bill" Jennings Burris, 33°, Valley of San Antonio, served as 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—public schools and children. Since 1951, the first week of March has been designated as a special week to celebrate Texas children and educators. And, in 1988, under the leadership of Grand Master Graham H. Childress, 33°, Valley of San Antonio, the Lamar Award of Excellence for Personal Achievement was established to recognize and honor students and educators for outstanding personal achievement in academics, citizenship, community service, or sports.
Today, the Masonic Grand Lodge of Texas continues to promote children’s education and support public schools with programs such as "Take Time To Read." Led by Grand Master William Michael (Mike) Gower, 33°, Valley of San Antonio, this partnership of the Masonic Grand Lodge of Texas and Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children (TSRHC) is designed to impact literacy by promoting the importance of reading aloud to children. The program focuses on the benefits of reading aloud and encourages adults to take an active role in the effort by participating in and supporting read-aloud activities with children. "Take Time To Read" gives all adult Texans, especially members of the Masonic Fraternity, the opportunity to demonstrate their concern for and commitment to the future of children and the state.
TSRHC is providing expertise about reading and creating a handbook and support materials as part of its contribution to the campaign effort. Masons will serve as the key messengers for the campaign by sharing information about reading aloud with parents and teachers in their own communities. Masonic Lodges throughout the state will be displaying "Take Time To Read" posters and distributing brochures. Lodges will hold book drives to benefit children who may not have books in their homes. They will also be working closely with community schools, actually reading aloud to children in the classroom. And they will be reading aloud to their children, grandchildren, and other youngsters in their own homes and neighborhoods. The goal of the "Take Time To Read" campaign is to reach children in all areas of the state of Texas.
The "Take Time To Read" program in Texas can serve as a prototype for outreach efforts throughout the country. For information about how you can participate in the campaign or to find out how you can impact literacy and children in your home state, please contact:
Elizabeth Cantrill
Outreach Coordinator, Luke Waites Child Development Center
Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children
2222 Welborn Street
Dallas, TX 75219
Tel. 214–559–7800
Brian Dodson
Chairman of Special Projects
Committee, Take Time To Read
2738 Oakland Drive
Sugar Land, TX 77479
(home) 281–265–1678
1–800–841–2031