Senate Resolution No. 1303

BY: Senator PARKER

COMMENDING Grand Worthy Patron Paul W. James upon
the occasion of his designation for special
recognition by Eureka Grand Chapter, Prince Hall
Order Eastern Star, Inc., State of New York on May
29-30, 2023

WHEREAS, It is the custom 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
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 honor
Grand Worthy Patron Paul W. James upon the occasion of his designation
for special recognition by Eureka Grand Chapter, Prince Hall Order
Eastern Star, Inc., State of New York, to be observed at its 126th
Annual Grand Session on May 29-30, 2023, at the Westchester Marriott in
Tarrytown, New York; and

WHEREAS, Grand Worthy Patron Paul W. James has given tirelessly of
his time and energies to Eureka Grand Chapter, Prince Hall Order Eastern
Star, Inc., State of New York, an adoptive rite of Freemasonry with
teachings based on the Bible and whose objectives are charitable and
benevolent; and

WHEREAS, Paul W. James was born the 12th of 13 children to Esther
and John W. James, Sr. in the Bronx, New York; he graduated from Mount
Vernon High School where he ran track and played in the school
orchestra; and

WHEREAS, While earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from
C.W. Post College of Long Island University, Paul W. James was
initiated into Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. through the Nu Kappa
undergraduate chapter, serving as Treasurer, Secretary, Chapter
President and Dean of Pledges; while in college, he also participated in
the African Peoples Organization, the Phi Beta Lambda Professional
Business Fraternity and Toastmasters International; and

WHEREAS, In 1990, Paul W. James completed a lifelong goal of
becoming a Prince Hall Mason; in 1998, he was elevated to the position
of Worshipful Master of the lodge; one year later, he received the
Eastern Star Degrees through Deborah Chapter No. 31 in Hempstead, New
York, and in 2000, he was elected the Associate Patron of the Chapter,
serving alongside his wife; and

WHEREAS, In 2001, he was elected to the position of Worthy Patron
for the first time and has served in that position for 10
administrations; he has also served as the District Deputy Grand Patron
of the Fourth District since 2001; and

WHEREAS, Paul W. James was appointed a Deputy Grand Marshall by Most
Worshipful Bernard L. Holley, Past Grand Master; he held this esteemed

position until 2010, when he was elected Grand Treasurer of the Most
Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of New York; and

WHEREAS, In 2012, Paul W. James was elevated to the 33rd and last
Degree of Masonry and served as the Financial Secretary of the Robert N.
Davis Class of 2012; and

WHEREAS, In 2019, Paul W. James was elected to the position of Grand
Associate Patron of Eureka Grand Chapter, Inc. Prince Hall Order of
Eastern Star State of New York, where he served for three years before
he was elected the Grand Worthy Patron in 2022, the position which he
continues to serve today; and

WHEREAS, Grand Worthy Patron Paul W. James holds membership in
Prince Hall Lodge No. 38, Widow's Son Chapter No. 1, HRAM, King David
Consistory No. 3 AASR, Medina Temple No. 19 AEANMS, and Deborah Chapter
No. 31; and

WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Wilhelmine, and
their two children, Aaron and Zora, all of whom feel privileged to be a
part of his life and rejoice in his many achievements; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an
individual for the benefits of others which Grand Worthy Patron Paul W.
James has displayed throughout his life; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
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
honor Grand Worthy Patron Paul W. James upon the occasion of his
designation for special recognition by Eureka Grand Chapter, Prince Hall
Order Eastern Star, Inc., State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Grand Worthy Patron Paul W. James.