Senate Resolution No. 1502

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMEMORATING the 200th Anniversary of Utica
Commandery No. 3, Knights Templar of the State of
New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay tribute to those organizations of high purpose and worthy
accomplishment whose endeavors have faithfully served the welfare of the
citizens of the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 200th Anniversary of Utica Commandery No. 3, Knights
Templar of the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, In 1118, nine Crusader knights took pious vows to protect
pilgrims to the Holy Land, forming the Poor Fellow-Soldiers of Christ
and of the Temple of Solomon; and

WHEREAS, A movement began in 1737, among the Freemasons to emulate
these knights, and in 1814, what is now known as the Grand Commandery
was formed; and

WHEREAS, In 1816, the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the USA
was established with DeWitt Clinton elected as its first Grand Master;
and

WHEREAS, In 1823, Grand Master Clinton signed a warrant constituting
what is now known as Utica Commandery No. 3, to which the City of Utica
continued to provide a home during the Masonically dark time that began
only three years later; and

WHEREAS, Utica Commandery hosted the Annual Conclave of its Grand
Commandery in 1896, with a parade of thousands of Knights Templar, and
welcoming the Grand Master of Knights Templar, Prince Hall Affiliated,
in 2022; and

WHEREAS, The City of Utica is known throughout the world as
welcoming and assisting immigrants and refugees from tyrants, as the
crusader Knights Templar welcomed and protected pilgrims to the Holy
Land; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, for some time, Utica was the westernmost
recognized Commandery in New York, seeding Commanderies further west and
spreading Masonic Templary across the state; and

WHEREAS, Today, with a steadfast and unwavering commitment to its
community, Utica Commandery No. 3 continues to sponsor clergy
pilgrimages to the Holy Land; this vital organization also supports the
Knights Templar Eye Foundation to improve vision through research,
education, and care; and

WHEREAS, The success of Utica Commandery No. 3 is in direct
correlation to the efforts of its dedicated 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, This Legislative Body is proudly moved to honor and commend
the members of Utica Commandery No. 3, Knights Templar of the State of
New York, past and present, who have labored so conscientiously to
secure and improve the quality of life for the community it serves; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 200th Anniversary of Utica Commandery No. 3, Knights
Templar of the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Utica Commandery No. 3, Knights Templar of the State of
New York.