John E. Jack Kelly, 33, P.G.M.
Grand Lodge of Texas

Texas Masons have sponsored a beautiful painting and dynamic brochure to promote Freemasonry.

The idea for the brilliant painting "Legends of Masonry," depicting 16 very famous Freemasons, was conceived by John Rasco, a public relations consultant, and this author as a part of a master community relations project, called “The Legacy Grows,” developed by the Grand Lodge of Texas.

The first priority was a sparkling, attention-getting brochure to serve two objectives: one, to create pride and enthusiasm in our members; and two, specifically to create interest and curiosity among non-members. We needed a centerpiece, not only for the brochure but also as a rallying point for the program. Armed with this challenge, Maurice Lewis, an outstanding Houston, Texas, artist was commissioned to create the monumental eight-foot masterpiece “Legends of Masonry” which now stands on an easel in the foyer of the Grand Lodge Temple in Waco, Texas.

The figures pictured on the left side of the painting are: George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Jose Antonio Navarro, William B. Travis, Sam Houston, Lorenzo de Zavala, Stephen F. Austin, Theodore Roosevelt, and Charles Lindbergh. The figures featured on the right side of the painting are: Franklin D. Roosevelt, Will Rogers, Harry S. Truman, Douglas MacArthur, Norman Vincent Peale, John “Duke” Wayne, and Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin. The painting was completed in 1990 and is the eye-catching dominant image in “The Legacy Grows,” a brochure distributed by the Grand Lodge of Texas which also can be reached by telephone at (817) 753-7395 or by fax (817) 753-2944 for more information. The text of the brochure (edited and in part) reads as follows.

George Washington. Sam Houston. Teddy Roosevelt.

From such legends has come a priceless legacy, now carefully protected and nourished by many men who keep it vibrant and growing.

These men are working to build and strengthen this legacy, then leave it even stronger for future generations of young men.

The legacy has been handed down from generation to generation since the days of the great cathedral builders of Europe. And, strengthened and invigorated, it will be passed from the current generation to the next. And the next. And the next.

The legacy is a set of principles and values taught and practiced in Freemasonry, the world’s largest fraternity.

These principles make life more meaningful and enjoyable for men and their families. Such as:

-being proud to be patriotic
-helping to make the commu- nity a better place to live
-being active in church, syna- gogue, mosque, or temple
-practicing true brotherhood and charity
-building solid moral values and ethical behavior.

If you believe in such principles, there are over 150,000 Texas Freemasons and 2.5 million American Freemasons who share your feelings-who work together in harmony and brotherhood to improve themselves and their communities-who find that Freemasonry helps them lead more enjoyable and meaningful lives.

If you think you would feel comfortable working with such men, talk to one of them.

And the legacy grows.