Andrew W. Stokes of Clarksburg has lived a life of service in his 39 years of life. In honor of his many acts of service with Scouting, he was the recipient of a special presentation on Aug. 3 at Huntingdon Masonic Lodge #106.
He received the Daniel Carter Beard Masonic Scouter Award in recognition of being a mason who shares the Masonic principles with young people by active participation in the Scouting program. He has been a driving force for Scouting in his community of Clarksburg by showing himself to be a leader and Scoutmaster of the local Boy Scout of America (BSA) troop.
“I am very happy to be able to serve where I have the opportunity,” said Stokes. “I am thankful to be a part of our great community.”
He said the honor given him by the Masonic Lodge and Mayor Butler was unexpected and very much appreciated.
The award was presented by Phil Craig who is a former recipient and member of the West Tennessee BSA Area Council Executive Committee. Craig made brief remarks on the history of Scouting, on the Masonic Scouter award, and related to everyone present of Stokes’ outstanding work in Freemasonry and Scouting that lead to this special day.
Also present and commending Stokes for his outstanding service and dedication to the citizens and youth of the city of Clarksburg and to Carroll County, was Carroll County Mayor Joseph Butler. He issued and presented a proclamation from his office declaring this day to be Andrew W. Stokes Day to honor him for his contribution and service in making a difference in the lives of our youth in the county and in being awarded the Masonic Scouter Award.
The ceremony was attended by lodge officers Al Stokes (Master and Stokes’ uncle), Darrell Douglas (Sr. Warden), Frank Hartman (Jr. Warden), Raymond Dodds (Treasurer), J.D. Crockett (Tiler), and Buddy Leach II (Grand Lecturer).
Stokes was accompanied by his wife, Melanie, and two children, Ben and Emma. He is the son of Dennis and Jeannine Stokes.
Stokes has led a life of service in the community and county by his participation in various organizations.
He is a 1999 graduate of Clarksburg High School and attained a B.S. and Master’s Degree from Murray State University in 2003 and 2007, respectively.
He has served as secretary-treasurer of the Clarksburg Alumni Association and is a charter member and president of the Clarksburg FFA Alumni Chapter. He has served as Murray State Agriculture Alumni past president and was selected as the Outstanding Young Alumni in 2013.
He is a member of Huntingdon Masonic Lodge #106 and is past Master and former Chaplain and is a 32nd degree from the Scottish Rite Temple in Memphis.
He serves as chairman of board for Carroll County Habitat for Humanity.
He is a member of the board for the Carroll County American Youth Soccer Organization.
He is a former member of South Carroll Special School District Board of Education.
He has served in many capacities in the Boy Scouts of America Organization.
He is a former Cubmaster for Clarksburg Pack 276, a Bedford Forrest District Den Leader for 2012, Scoutmaster for Clarksburg Troop 276, Bedford Forrest District Scoutmaster for 2017, Woodbadge trained, Brotherhood in Order of the Arrow Lttawamba Lodge #235, Oktibbeha Chapter. He was presented the Silver Beaver Award in Feb. 2020 and the David Carter Beard Award in Aug. 2020.
He is self employed as the owner of Stokes Surveying, LLC and is licensed in both Tennessee and Ky. In addition, he is a member of several professional surveyors’ organizations and has served as state president of the Tenn. Association of Professional Surveyors (TAPS) in 2015 and 2018.
At the age of 17 he became an ordained pastor. He served his first pastorship at Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church where he remained for three years. He served as pastor of Clarksburg Missionary Baptist Church for 13 years. Presently, he serves as pastor of Bible Grove Missionary Baptist Church where he has been since 2015. He is the assistant moderator of the Southwestern District Missionary Baptist Association and writes middle school lessons for the Missionary Baptist Sunday School Literature publication.
