Grand Commandery of Knights Templar
Of Texas

Charity is the most visible Masonic activity. Freemasons in North America alone give over two million dollars every day to those in need, Masons and non-Masons alike. This translates into about three-quarters of a billion dollars a year. Every bit of which is raised by the Masonic Fraternity and freely contributed on a voluntary basis to the many worthwhile charities it supports. Click on the burning bush to learn more about the charities of Freemasonry in Texas and how you can help. Texas Masonic Charities.

The Knights Templar Eye Foundation, Inc. As a Knight Templar, one has many opportunities to help others who are less fortunate. One way is through the Knights Templar Eye Foundation. The Eye Foundation is a Great Humanitarian Charity whose purpose is to provide research, surgical treatment and hospitalization to those who suffer from diseases or injury to the eyes. Since 1956, the Knights Templar Eye Foundation has spent more than $61 million dollars to provide medical treatment for those unable to afford it. To date, over 60,000 case applications have been processed. The number of cases is approsimately 2,000 annually, and the cost per case varies depending on the surgery involved. And as always, treatments are provided regardless of race, color, creed, age, or national origin, and at no cost to the individual. Research grants, totalling over $5 million dollars, have been made to institutions working in the field of Eye Research. Informative films are available through local Commanderies for presentation to churches, PTA meetings and other interested organizations. To its end, the Knights Templar, through the efforts of its members, is committed to "Helping Others To See." The Knights Templar Eye Foundation, Inc., is a Co-sponsor of the National Eye Care Project through an agreement with the American Academy of Ophthalmology, Inc., and the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Persons 65 years of age or older may receive help by calling 1-800-222-EYES. The person calling must state that a Knight Templar has referred them to the N.E.C.P. The Knights Templar Educational Foundation The Knights Templar Educational Foundation, the first program of its kind, was organized in 1922. Since then, more than $32 million dollars have been loaned to students to complete their last two years of college. This financial assistance is given without regard to race, color, creed, age or Masonic affiliation. In recent years, some Grand Commanderies have also been offering Scholarship Grants to students who are members of Masonic-related Youth Groups. The Knights Templar Holy Land Pilgrimage In addition to the many religious observances throughout the year, The Grand Encampment of Knights Templar sponsors an annual "Holy Land Pilgrimage". The purpose of the pilgrimage is to send a Christian Minister to The Holy Land of Israel to enhance his ministry. Each jurisdiction raises funds to send these ministers, expenses paid, on these trips. Masonic membership is not required and the Minister can be male or female. For an itinerary of the December 9-18, 2000, Holy Land Pilgrimage, click on the Holy Land graphic below. For additional information on the Charities of the Knights Templar, click on the graphics below.
Eye Foundation	Education Foundation	Holy Land