BEHIND the guiding hand of Texas Masons, Texas, usually the 1st full week in March, will pause for a few days to give more consideration to one of Democracy's greatest institutions - the free school system.

Early in December 1950, immediately after being installed, Most Worshipful Grand Master W. J. Burris, who had been active in the educational programs of the public schools of McAllen, and who has served on the school board, outlined to his District Deputy Grand Masters his program which is intended to bring us closer to the great educational system which the average bread earner takes for granted.

Assisted by the Committee on Masonic Education and Service, a program of preparation for observance of Public Schools Week was outlined to District Deputy Grand Masters at their conference on the day following close of Grand Lodge in December. Each District Deputy was instructed by the Grand Master to coordinate with Masters of Lodges in his District plans and preparations for Public Schools Week.

Grand Master Burris issued a proclamation calling upon all Texas Masons to not only assist in the program, but to impress upon their friends the importance of a closer affiliation between parents and teachers, and a revival of interest in problems of our educational system.

History recalls that Masonic Lodges of this State took the lead in founding our public free schools. Many of Texas' first grade schools and schools of higher education were operated in buildings owned and erected by Masonic Lodges.

In a message to District Deputy Grand Masters pertaining to Public Schools Week,Grand Master Burris said:

"It is important that each of the Lodges understand fully that the      proclamation that I issued on December 26 is to be fulfilled in each point, as it is so important that we, as Masons, dedicate this one week to the very important subject of Public Schools, since through the effort of the Order, public schools in Texas were given their birthright.  I feel that the type of program proposed will accomplish this important undertaking."