Why Do You Do What You Do?

by David B. Dibrell, MPS

In journalism we are taught to write a story by tel]ing who,
what, when, where, why and how. This same basic structure of
thinking can also be applied to our daily lives. As
individuals, each of us makes choices every day. We decide
who--who our friends will be- who we talk to; who to be
friendly to. We decide what to do--what to wear; what to eat;
what to do with our leisure time. We decide when to do--when
to leave for work; when to call a friend; when to help others.
We decide where to--where to live; where to work; where to
worship. We decide how to--how to spend our time; how to
present ourselves to others; how to do what we do. The most
important of these, however, is why.

Why do you associate with certain people? Why do you spend
your time in a certain manner? Why do you live in Texas? Why
do you do what you do?

You do what You do because of:

Commitment and Pride.

Tonight I have been asked to give you a few thoughts on the
Public Schools of Texas; their beginnings, their status and
their future. The free public schools of Texas are a direct
reflection of the commitment and pride of early Texas Masons
and of why these Masons did what they did.

Modern Masonry traces its roots to the early stone masons who
labored for many years building the great cathedrals of
Europe. One of the primary purposes of the craft was to train
apprentices to become master workmen. As Masonry evolved into
Speculative Masonry with the admission of "non-working' Ma-
sons, the educational purposes grew so that not only did
Lodges teach the Masonic philosophy, but each Mason taught
this philosophy by the way he lived his life. Education then,
may be considered one of the primary purposes of Masonry and
Masonry has made a difference in education.

In the Texas Declaration of Independence, Texans charged
Mexico with neglecting the educational system. The Second
Congress of the Republic of Texas studied the need for an
educational system and, in the Third Congress laws were passed
allocating land for schools in each county in Texas and
designated land for establishing two colleges or uni-
versities. Finally in the Fourth Congress school boards were
defined for each county consisting of three of ficers elected
by voters. Thus the Texas public school system was
established. Having land, however, was a blessing, but, a
problem. Schools needed buildings and teachers; they needed
money. The land could not be sold because there was no market
for it. In later years, the discovery of oil in some portions
of Texas created instant wealth for many school districts, but
in the carly years, Texas schools needed help with buildings
and funds.

It appears that at about this time Texas Lodges got involved.
Masons and Lodges began to establish schools; allow them to
meet in Lodge buildings, and providing moral and financial
support. Orphan's Friend Lodge #17 in Anderson, Texas opened
the "Masonic Collegiate Institute" in the Fall of 1842.

In 1924 Frederick Eby, a University of Texas Professor, who
was not a Mason wrote a history of the development of
education in Texas. In the course of his research he found
sufficient evidence of the contributions of Masons and of Ma-
sonic Lodges to the support of education that he wrote "Among
the most effective agencies which undertook to provide the
means of culture for the youth of that day were the fraternal
organizations, particularly the Masonic Order. " He concluded
that "the services of the Masonic Lodges in conducting schools
and furnishing buildings were possibly greater than those of
any single religious denomination."

Another non-Mason and University of Texas Professor, a
distinguished American Historian, Professor Walter Prescott
Webb wrote on how Masonry made a difference, about Masons who
had a hall, always a two-story building because they could not
hold their meetings on a first floor. Of course, in order to
have an upper floor, they had to build a lower one which was
used for social activity. In community after community this
lower story of the Masonic Hall became the first house of
learning. And quoting Dr. Webb, "their interest (speaking of
Masons) was not passive--it was active." As he said, "They did
what was needed when it was needed

They did what they did because of their commitment and pride!
What better tribute can be made of any person. Eduecation is
not the only area in which Masons and related organizations
have shown commitment and pride, but our focus this evening is
on Public Schools.

As we approach Texas Public Schools Week in 1990 let us each
remember the commitment of those early pioneers in first
establishing a public school system; let us remember the
commitment of those early Masons whose pride enabled them to
forge the school system into what it is today. Despite the
upheavals and uproars of the past few years, the public
schools of Texas are stronger today than they ever have been
in their history. There is a new commitment to excellence in
education. There is a new pride in distinction and
responsibility.

What is the future of education in Texas? It is in the hands
of those who are committed to their fellow man and who take
pride in service. This commitment and pride must be the By-
words of our Masonic and Eastern Star bodies and we as
individuals and collectively, as a body can make a difference.
It depends on our commitment and our pride. The future of
Texas education therefore is once again in the hands of the
Masonic "Family." It is up to us to again involve ourselves in
Texas education. Schools no longer need buildings and funds,
they need direction and inspiration. What students need today
are "role models;" someone to be their " mentor, " their
model, their inspiration. What better example can be given
than someone who exemplifies Masonic and Eastern Star
teachings? As the poet said:

We are writing a Gospel, a chapter each day,

by things that we do and by things that we say.

Men read what is written, whether faulty or true.

Say, what is the Gospel--according to You?

Why do you do what you do? It is your love for the Masonic
"Family" and your faith in the future. Now is your oppor-
tunity by your own example to help shape the future of
Masonry, of Eastern Star, of the entire Masonic "Family." Like
our forefathers who "did what was needed when it was needed;"
it is time for you to do what is needed. What is needed is to
"stand up and be counted;" to live each day so that the world
will be impressed by your good works- to proclaim your Masonic
Faith to those around you- and to illustrate in your life the
virtues taught by our organizations. Then everyone will know
"Why you do what you do!"