Senate Resolution No. 401

BY: Senator PARKER

COMMENDING Joppa Lodge No. 55, Prince Hall Free
and Accepted Masons of the State of New York upon
the occasion of hosting its Annual Black History
Month event on February 25, 2023

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 Joppa Lodge No. 55, Prince Hall Free and Accepted Masons of the
State of New York upon the occasion of hosting its Annual Black History
Month event on Saturday, February 25, 2023, in New York, New York; and

WHEREAS, In celebration of Black History Month, Joppa Lodge No. 55's
event will introduce diversified African American culture to those in
attendance through ethnic performances, prominent black figures,
historical events, traditional food, and philanthropy; and

WHEREAS, For over a century, the dedicated Masons of Joppa Lodge No.
55 have maintained a rich history rooted in success, growth, and
brotherhood; its dedicated members share common moral ideals and
esoteric values, and their beliefs are based upon the doctrine of
Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth; and

WHEREAS, Joppa Lodge No. 55 was established by Brother Richard E.
Warner in 1920; the newly formed association of 34 members met at
Lafayette Hall for several months on Sundays, under the guidance of
Brothers Eugene Plummer and Arthur Ware, appointed by the Grand Master,
M.W. David W. Parker; and

WHEREAS, On May 29, 1920, at Ionis Temple in Brooklyn, New York,
Lodge No. 55 instituted with the following officers: Wilfred G. Butler,
Master; Charles Jones, Senior Warden; C. Franklin Taylor, Junior Warden;
Theo B. Smith, Treasurer; Robert Crutcher, Secretary; Richard Warner,
Senior Deacon; Julius Watson, Junior Deacon and others to officially
constitute a Masonic Lodge; at this time, the association was comprised
of 62 members; and

WHEREAS, At the Grand Lodge Annual Session held at Mother Zion
A.M.E. Church No. 153 from June 1-2, 1921, the Grand Master recommended
the warranting of Joppa Lodge; and

WHEREAS, On October 22, 1921, in compliance with the mandate of the
Grand Lodge, Joppa Lodge was warranted by Grand Master David W. Parker
as No. 55 with the following officers duly elected and installed:
Wilfred G. Butler, Master; John J. Garden, Senior Warden; John L.
Whitner, Junior Warden; Theo B. Smith, Treasurer; and James C. Hill,
Secretary; and

WHEREAS, Today, Joppa Lodge No. 55 has over 120 Master Masons, of
which 30 are Past Masters with the most senior living Past Master being
Brother William Q. Powell; the Lodge has also produced five Grand
Masters, MW Will J. Richardson, MW Calvin Martin, MW Larry Mitchell,
James Barry Holmes, and John F. Fields; and

WHEREAS, The success and growth of Joppa Lodge No. 55 was inspired
by the committed brotherhood of past and present members of the Lodge,
characterized by an uncompromising standard of excellence and the
fraternity's long-standing structure and systems, along with the
leadership and guidance of the Past Masters and the Most Worshipful
Prince Hall Grand Lodge; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, This Legislative Body is proudly moved to honor and
commend the members of Joppa Lodge No. 55, Prince Hall Free and Accepted
Masons of the State of New York upon the occasion of hosting its Black
History Month event to celebrate African American culture; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Worshipful Master Marcus Tellis, Senior Warden William
Gardenhire, and Junior Warden Harry Jenkins, Jr., Joppa Lodge No. 55,
Prince Hall Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New York.