This prestigious award is given each year to a non-Mason who has helped bring about
changes in building a better community.
Annually
Mount Vernon Masonic Lodge #691 makes a presentation to an outstanding
individual or group in the community. The individual or group is selected by a
committee, and must be approved by the Lodge.
This year
we are honored to have unanimously declared that the award be given to two
individuals, who are to be congratulated on their outstanding service to the
community of Mount Vernon and Franklin County, Texas.
The
Community Builder Award was designed to enable a Lodge to formally recognize
outstanding non-Masons who have distinguished themselves through their service
to the community, to local, state or national government, to their Church or
Synagogue, or to humanity. Thus, the award is to be presented to individuals
who, although they have never been initiated into Masonry, have followed the
same precepts, ideals and standards that have been established for Masonic
behavior.
Every community
has individuals who have earned the Community Builder Award over and over again.
We may find them in service clubs, in the public school system, in religious
activities, in public office, in military or patriotic organizations, in all
sorts of volunteer work, everywhere we look - but often do not see.
It is
emphasized that, the Community Builder Award, is not necessarily designed to be
given only to the obvious leaders of the community, or those in the limelight,
although they certainly must be considered. But we are encouraged to seek out the
men and women who, year in and year out, quietly and without fanfare, show
their devotion to their community and its people without the expectation of
awards or honors.
This award demonstrates the appreciation of the community of Mount Vernon and Franklin County to Nat Paul and Shirley Gibbs for their distinguished service to our hometown.