Senate Resolution No. 2112

BY: Senator PARKER

COMMENDING the Grand Lodge of the Free and
Accepted Masons of New York State upon the occasion
of hosting its 178th Annual Grand Lodge Session
Communication on June 14-16, 2024

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
commend the Grand Lodge of the Free and Accepted Masons of New York
State upon the occasion of hosting its 178th Annual Grand Lodge Session
Communication on June 14-16, 2024, at the Hilton Albany, in Albany, New
York; and

WHEREAS, The Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of
New York belongs to the global network of Freemasons, the largest and
oldest fraternal order in the world; it is the administrative body that
oversees more than 500 Masonic lodges across New York State; and

WHEREAS, Every state in the U.S., the District of Columbia, and many
countries around the world have their own sovereign and independent
Grand Lodge that presides over Freemasonry in their respective
jurisdiction; and

WHEREAS, The Grand Lodge of the Free and Accepted Masons of New York
State brings men of integrity together in brotherhood with a common bond
in the shared belief that every man can, and should, step into his best
self and make a difference in the lives of others; and

WHEREAS, An organization of righteous men, the Grand Lodge of the
Free and Accepted Masons of New York State is steadfastly committed to
serving its community for a brighter future through acts of charity,
community service, and good deeds which are an expression of its love
for humanity and a path for self-improvement; and

WHEREAS, In recognition of 178 years of success through the trials
and tribulations of this country and state, the brothers of Free and
Accepted Masons have not only preserved but have found continued ways to
grow and nurture the communities in which they work, pray, and model the
importance of being a man of upright standing to the next generation;
and

WHEREAS, The success of the Grand Lodge of the Free and Accepted
Masons of New York State is in direct correlation to the efforts its
most benevolent leader, the Most Worshipful Grand Master Gregory R.
Smith Jr., and 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 the Grand Lodge of the Free and Accepted Masons of New
York State, 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
commend the Grand Lodge of the Free and Accepted Masons of New York
State upon the occasion of hosting its 178th Annual Grand Lodge Session
Communication on June 14-16, 2024; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Most Worshipful Grand Master Gregory R. Smith Jr.,
Grand Lodge of the Free and Accepted Masons of New York State.