Masons honor students, teachers, judge

[Sir.Mike]

Members of Fort Richardson Masonic Lodge No. 320 honored educators,
students and one of their own in a public ceremony Saturday,
presenting each with a commemorative certificate, in gratitude for
their service and in appreciation for their contribution to public
education.
Worshipful Master Paul Simpson greeted the full gallery for the
evening’s events and welcomed visitors to witness this special
occasion. Junior Deacon Steve Watson escorted 2008 graduates Michael
Lewis and Whitney Frie to the center of the room to present each with
an educational scholarship. Students submitted applications for the
scholarship and were selected by the Fort Richardson membership.
Lewis, a graduate of Bryson High School, is the son of Danny and
Christy Lewis and attends Lincoln Tech in Grand Prairie to become an
auto body collision technician. During high school he was active in
FFA and every sport except track. Lewis was a good student and looks
forward to a career in the automotive field.
Frie, a graduate of Jacksboro High School, is the daughter of Robert
and Tonya Frie and is studying biology at Midwestern State University
in Wichita Falls. During high school she was active in FFA and ran
cross country. Frie graduated with honors and plans a career in
physical therapy.

Masonic Chaplain Mitchell Davenport read excerpts from the application
forms and letters of recommendation. Portions of each described Lewis
and Frie as “mature individuals, hard-working, ambitious, responsible
and very deserving of the scholarship opportunity.”
In recognition of the role of Masons in education as a whole and in
Texas in particular, Davenport gave a brief biography of Mirabeau
Lamar and the history of Texas Freemasonry and public education.
“Texas was founded by men who were Masons. From the Father of Texas,
Stephen F. Austin, to every single president of the Republic of Texas,
and often over half of the elected and appointed officials of the
Republic, Masons held offices in Texas government. It is only natural,
then, that these men would work to establish a system of education
that reflected their Masonic values,” said Davenport.
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.
During Lamar’s administration, he convinced the legislature to set
aside three leagues of land for each county, for the benefit of the
public schools in that county. An additional 50 leagues of land were
set aside for the support of two universities. The founding of the
Texas State Library, and the public school and university land set-
asides laid the foundation for a Texas-wide public school system.
In 1962, when Jacksboro school buildings were leveled by fire, local
masons organized classrooms in the assembly hall and surrounding
community buildings and businesses, until the new school was complete
in 1964.
Simpson presented Bryson kindergarten teacher Misty Barrington and
John R. Lowrance sixth-grade language arts teacher Linda Collie with
the Mirabeau Lamar Medal, each engraved with their name.
Bryson Elementary School Principal Shari Coody spoke in appreciation
of Barrington’s contributions during her 13-year tenure. A graduate
from Throckmorton High School and Hardin Simmons University,
Barrington began her teaching career at Bryson. She recalled her joy
at “seeing the light bulb come on” in the mind of a kindergarten
student. A former pupil summed it up by saying, “She’s the smile that
lights up a room.”
A native of Antelope, Collie was remembered by Davenport as a teacher
who made a difference in the lives of students. An Antelope school
graduate, Collie went on to receive a degree at Midwestern University,
studying physical education. A teacher for 21 years, Collie enjoys her
career at Jacksboro and looks forward to each challenge.
“To seek first to understand, then seek to be understood,” said
Davenport of Collie. He remembered fondly her role as educator to his
own children.
Following a solemn recitation from Tom Neal, Barrington and Collie
were each presented with a Masonic Bible.
“Within the cover of the Holy Bible lies … truth … diligently study
therein,” said Neal.
Simpson then addressed Davenport on behalf of the entire membership
and presented him with a symbolic gold trowel, the highest award any
lodge can bestow on a member.
The Golden Trowel is the lodge’s formal recognition of a brother for
his devoted service to Masonic principles in general or to his lodge.
It is intended for the brother who, year after year, quietly, but
actively demonstrates his devotion to the teachings of Masonry without
thought of recognition or special honors.
“As the 113th Worshipful Master of this lodge, it is my privilege to
present this honor to Mitchell Davenport,” said Simpson.
Those gathered rose to their feet in ovation.
“It is through his hard work as a judge, community leader and
committed volunteer that Jack County can look forward to a good …
future,” Simpson said
“Thank you for this honor,” said Davenport. “I have enjoyed many years
in this community and look forward to the opportunity to meet and work
with others. Masonry uses the symbols of working tools in a natural
progression to build the foundation of its purpose, ‘to make good men
better.’
“It is an honor to be a Mason and to receive this award,” Davenport
said.