Senate Resolution No. 1292

BY: Senator PARKER

COMMENDING Prince Hall Lodge No. 38 Most
Worshipful Prince Grand Lodge upon the occasion of
hosting its 142nd Anniversary Dinner Dance Award
Ceremony on June 24, 2023

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that
the quality and character of life in the communities across New York
State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those
organizations and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare
of the community and its citizenry; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Prince Hall Lodge No. 38 Most Worshipful Prince Grand Lodge upon
the occasion of hosting its 142nd Anniversary Dinner Dance Award
Ceremony to be celebrated on Saturday, June 24, 2023 at the Renaissance
Astoria in Long Island City, New York; and

WHEREAS, Prince Hall Lodge No. 38 Most Worshipful Prince Grand Lodge
will be giving away scholarships to deserving young scholars on their
way to college and awards will also be given to distinguished community
leaders; proceeds from this event will go toward the organization's
Scholarship Fund and Clean Water Project; and

WHEREAS, The lodges in the First Masonic District consist of several
Spanish speaking brothers, P.M. Lafayette Marcus of Mt. Olive Lodge No.
2 conceived the idea for the establishment of a lodge, the work of which
could be conducted in the Spanish language; and

WHEREAS, On June 26, 1880 P.M. Lafayette Marcus, Andrew N. Portos,
John Johnson, Manuel R. Coronado, Abraham Seino, Sexto Pozo of Mt. Olive
Lodge No. 2, and Abony Brown of Celestial Lodge No. 3, presented a
Petition to the Grand Lodge for a Dispensation to set up a Spanish
speaking Lodge, to be named "EL SOL de CUBA" (The SUN of CUBA); and

WHEREAS, Prince Hall Lodge No. 38 Most Worshipful Prince Grand Lodge
named their first officers: Lafayette Marcus, Worshipful Master; Manuel
R. Coronado, Senior Warden; and Sexto Pozo, Junior Warden; and

WHEREAS, A dispensation was granted for the Lodge in June 1880, and
on June 1, 1881, a warrant was issued and the Lodge was numbered 38;
during the years 1891 to 1895, when the Spanish speaking colonials of
Cuba and Puerto Rico were actively engaged in furthering their campaign
for independence, the soil of the American States had already been
dedicated to Liberty; and

WHEREAS, EL SOL de CUBA No. 38 was comprised of Cubans who exercised
the Esoteric Principles of Masonry; many brothers who lived far away
from home, would find the Spanish speaking Lodge a haven of rest and
comfort; at one time there were visiting brothers to EL SOL de CUBA from
almost every Republic of South America and the exchange of fraternal
greetings were cordial and pleasurable; and

WHEREAS, In the year 1913, Brother Claudius E. Cyril, who was the
Elected Master, suggested to change the name of the Lodge and had the
vigorous support of the past masters and members; and

WHEREAS, The members voted unanimously to rename the Lodge "Prince
Hall" in honor and commemoration of the renowned Progenitor and Patron
Saint. A Petition was made; on November 27, 1914, a warrant was granted
by the Grand Lodge to Brother Claudius E. Cyril, Master; Brother Byron
D. Allerton, Senior Warden; Brother David F. Sheppard, Junior Warden,
with the lodge retaining its number; and

WHEREAS, The success of the Prince Hall Lodge No. 38 Most Worshipful
Prince Grand Lodge is in direct correlation to the efforts of Worshipful
Master Nikel Stephen and its members, whose involvement is, and always
has been, characterized by an impressive commitment, an unbridled
enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in all
endeavors on behalf of the organization and the community it serves; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
organizations and individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are
brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by
all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Prince Hall Lodge No. 38 Most Worshipful Prince Grand Lodge upon
the occasion of hosting its 142nd Anniversary Dinner Dance Award
Ceremony on June 24, 2023; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Prince Hall Lodge No. 38 Most Worshipful Prince Grand
Lodge and Worshipful Master Nikel Stephen.