Las Moras Masonic Lodge Honors George “Stoney” Burks with Community Builder Award

October 23, 2025

by Annabell McNew

On October 19, 2025, the Las Moras Masonic Lodge hosted a special ceremony to present the Community Builder Award to a distinguished member of the Kinney County community.

According to the Grand Lodge of Texas, the Community Builder Award recognizes outstanding non-Masons who have distinguished themselves through exceptional service to their community, government, church, or humanity. The honor celebrates those 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.”

With members and guests in attendance, Tully Welch presented the award to Mr. George “Stoney” Burks for his many years of service to the citizens of Brackettville and Kinney County. During the presentation, Mr. Welch paid a touching tribute to his late friend and fellow Mason, Mr. Chuck Hall, who had first suggested Burks for this honor before his passing. In a fitting gesture, Burks was invited under the pretense of hearing a presentation about Hall’s “last request” for the Lodge—turning the award into a heartfelt surprise. Mrs. Connie Hall attended to witness the recognition and congratulate Burks.

Much was shared about Mr. Burks’ lasting contributions to local education. A longtime educator with Brackett ISD, Burks served as teacher, coach, principal, and interim superintendent, shaping generations of students and colleagues. Upon receiving the award, he humbly thanked the members of the Lodge, his wife and family, and Jesus Christ for setting the example of selfless service.

As the discussion continued, the importance of the Community Builder Award became clear—not only as an individual honor but as a reflection of the Lodge’s values and the profound impact of community leaders like Mr. Burks.

Freemasons have long been instrumental in shaping education and civic life in Texas. Mirabeau B. Lamar, a Freemason and the second President of the Republic of Texas, is remembered as the “Father of Education in Texas.” His 1839 address to Congress led to land appropriations that helped establish what are now the University of Texas and Texas A&M University systems. Historically, Masonic Lodges even provided classroom space and helped pay teachers’ salaries.

That tradition continues locally. The Las Moras Masonic Lodge regularly recognizes students with the Lamar Award of Excellence for achievements in academics, citizenship, service, and athletics, as well as awarding grants for teachers’ honorariums.

The Lodge’s own building is a symbol of community heritage. Constructed in 1878–1879 as the first Kinney County Courthouse, it later became the Lodge’s home in 1911. For decades, the U.S. Post Office operated on the first floor, while the Lodge met above—an enduring reminder of how civic and community life intertwine.

Throughout the meeting, members reflected on local and fraternal history. Ray Robison passed along some history from the late 1800s, when monthly Lodge meetings were the highlight of a wagon trip to town—an opportunity for neighbors to share news, exchange help, and strengthen community ties. He shared a story of an old member’s advice about tending to his horses first upon returning home, teaching them to make the journey swiftly and faithfully—a metaphor for the loyalty and service that have defined the Lodge for nearly 150 years.

As membership in traditional social organizations declines worldwide, gatherings like this remind us that the value of community has never been greater. Through their quiet acts of service and enduring fellowship, the members of Las Moras Masonic Lodge—and honorees like Mr. George “Stoney” Burks—continue to embody the spirit of community building that keeps Kinney County strong.

For more information about Las Moras Masonic Lodge and future plans to celebrate the upcoming 150th anniversary, visit KinneyCountyPost.com