Senate Resolution No. 271

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMENDING Western Star Lodge No. 15, Bridgewater
Masonic Temple upon the occasion of celebrating its
225th Anniversary

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 Western Star Lodge No. 15, Bridgewater Masonic Temple upon the
occasion of its 225th Anniversary which was celebrated at a Luncheon
with members of the Mount Markham High School Cheerleading Squad and a
Rededication Ceremony on Saturday, December 17, 2022; and

WHEREAS, Masonry is the world's first and largest fraternal
organization, and is based on the belief that each man has a
responsibility to help make the world a better place; through their
culture of philanthropy, these men make a profound difference for their
brothers, their families, their communities, and their future; and

WHEREAS, For the last 225 years, the members of Western Star Lodge
No. 15 have stayed true to the Masons' mission of fostering personal
growth and improving the lives of others through its principles and
tradition; and

WHEREAS, Shortly after the Hamlet of Bridgewater, New York, was
formed, two early settlers, Joseph Farwell and Ephriam Waldo, and other
like-minded men of faith joined together to form an organization in
which they could practice charity and care, not only for their own, but
also for the community as a whole through charitable giving and
volunteer efforts; and

WHEREAS, The original petition to form a lodge was filed on April
21, 1796, and the charter was granted on January 18, 1797; originally
known as Western Star Lodge No. 59 F&AM, the Lodge first met on
Farwell's Hill; and

WHEREAS, In 1815, it was decided to build at the intersection of the
new Cherry Valley Turnpike and the Utica to New Berlin road, and one
year later, a new building was erected with the Warren Chapter No. 22
R.A.M. on South Street on the site of the Cottage Hotel barn; it was
moved to its present location in 1864, and major repairs were made in
1872 and 1892, making the dimensions of the building and its interior
Lodge meeting room specific to the Masonic ritual; and

WHEREAS, Western Star Lodge No. 15 is the oldest lodge in Oneida
County that has met continuously for over 223 years, and is one of the
oldest lodges in New York State; due to its storied history, the Lodge
was featured in a magazine article and in a book on early Masonic
Symbols in Upstate New York; and

WHEREAS, The success of Western Star Lodge No. 15 is in direct
correlation to the efforts of its Master, Earl G. Wilkinson; Senior
Warden, David D. Holbert; Junior Warden, Robert G. Dauchy; Treasurer,
Charles L. Corbin; Secretary, Brian F. Twitchell; Senior Deacon, Bill
Friedel; Junior Deacon, Richard E. Foster; Chaplain, John P. Murray;
Tiler, John J. Seiselmyer; Trustees, Charles S. Newell, Donald Bradbury,
and Brian D. Miller, 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 institution and the community it serves; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proudly moved to honor and commend
the members of Western Star Lodge No. 15, Bridgewater Masonic Temple,
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 Western Star Lodge No. 15, Bridgewater Masonic Temple upon the
occasion of celebrating its 225th Anniversary; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Earl G. Wilkinson, Master, Western Star Lodge No. 15,
Bridgewater Masonic Temple.