Most people in Texas may not be aware of this, and I cannot remember the date but it seems like in 2006 we adopted the Cap and Mantle as an official uniform of the Grand Commandery of Texas, and you can wear it as your uniform. There are other rules that apply if you are an officer of the Commandery, and there is a certain way you must wear it, just basic rules.
Also, at the 2013 session we changed the Texas Opening and cut out most of the marching. The opening now takes about 20 minutes if not less. It is about as long as the Blue Lodge opening if done correctly.
I only post this because the opening length and the uniform have been common talking points for many years. In Masonry as in politics, sometimes the problems get fixed but the talking points remain. It is time to update these talking points in Texas.