Senate Resolution No. 1324

BY: Senator PARKER

COMMENDING Progressive Lodge No. 64 upon the
occasion of hosting its Annual Breakfast Event on
June 11, 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
organizations and individuals who 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 Progressive Lodge No. 64 upon the occasion of hosting its Annual
Breakfast Event on Sunday, June 11, 2023, at the Macedonia Community
Center in Mount Vernon, New York; and

WHEREAS, The Progressive Lodge No. 64 is recognizing two devoted
members at the Annual Breakfast Event, Past Master Sidney White Jr. and
Past Master Lamont Killian; both individuals are designated for special
recognition for their unwavering commitment to the community and the
organization; and

WHEREAS, Past Master Sidney White Jr. has been a Progressive Lodge
No. 64 member since October 1987; he has served faithfully throughout
the years, many of them as officers; and

WHEREAS, Holding a myriad of positions, Past Master Sidney White Jr.
has served five years as a Chaplain, two years as a Junior Deacon, three
years as a Senior Deacon, one year as Junior Warden, four years as
Senior Warden, and one year as Worshipful Master; and

WHEREAS, A multifaceted individual, Past Master Sidney White Jr.
retired as a New York City Board of Education teacher; and

WHEREAS, Spiritually, Past Master Sidney White Jr. is a lifelong
member of Macedonia Baptist Church in Mount Vernon, New York, where he
has served as a Deacon since 2004; and

WHEREAS, A devoted family man, Past Master White Jr. is the proud
father of two sons, Malcolm and Jarret; he is also the brother of Past
Worthy Matron Wanda White; and

WHEREAS, Past Master Lamont Killian was born in Mount Vernon, New
York and is known to many in the community as a wise individual; and

WHEREAS, Truly caring about the community, Past Master Lamont
Killian is a Mount Vernon Fireman and also coached at Brush Park and
Hutchinson Field, where he was able to influence and mentor the youth;
and

WHEREAS, While coaching in the Mount Vernon Little League/Babe Ruth
Program, Past Master Lamont Killian was voted in as President in 2008;
with Mount Vernon baseball, he developed a partnership with Major League

Baseball, where they provided uniforms and equipment to the children of
Mount Vernon at no cost; and

WHEREAS, Amid his endeavors, Past Master Lamont Killian joined
Progressive Lodge No. 64 in 2003, where he was entered, past, and raised
to the sublime degree of a Master Mason; and

WHEREAS, While becoming a Master Mason, Past Master Lamont Killian
was elected Worshipful Master twice in 2012 and 2013; he has paved the
way for many of the younger generations in Progressive Lodge No. 64,
where many of the ideas he has started are still staple points; and

WHEREAS, By being Worshipful Master and a staple in Mount Vernon,
Past Master Lamont Killian built more prominent relationships with the
community, starting the Thanksgiving feedings at West Help, where he
provided the community with a hot meal, and they could also have
supplies for their households later; and

WHEREAS, In addition, Past Master Lamont Killian, with a team of
Progressive members, were able to pass out gifts to the less fortunate
families at Christmas; and

WHEREAS, Past Master Lamont Killian enjoys spending quality time
with his children and grandchildren and is still an active member of
Progressive Lodge No. 64, where many of the younger brothers reach out
for guidance; and

WHEREAS, Over its distinguished history, Progressive Lodge No. 64
has demonstrated continuous service to the residents and communities
which it serves; and

WHEREAS, The success of Progressive Lodge No. 64 is in direct
correlation to the efforts of its dedicated Masters, past and present,
staff, and volunteers, 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, This auspicious occasion presents an opportunity for this
Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to Progressive Lodge No.
64; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals and organizations 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 Progressive Lodge No. 64 upon the occasion of hosting its Annual
Breakfast Event on June 11, 2023; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Progressive Lodge No. 64, Sidney White Jr., and Lamont
Killian.