Senate Resolution No. 529

BY: Senator PARKER

COMMENDING Master Lodge No. 99 of the Most
Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of the State of
New York upon the occasion of hosting its Annual
Award Dinner Dance on March 18, 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 Master Lodge No. 99 of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand
Lodge of the State of New York upon the occasion of hosting its Annual
Award Dinner Dance on Saturday, March 18, 2023, at Terrace On The Park,
Queens, New York; and

WHEREAS, The dedicated Masons of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall
Grand Lodge of New York are men with a social conscience and a
charitable perspective, who are also known as Freemasons; they are part
of a fraternal organization that shares common moral ideals and esoteric
values which are based on the doctrine of Brotherly Love, Relief and
Truth; and

WHEREAS, The Annual Award Dinner Dance is a celebration of the
dedication and excellence put forth by the members of the Lodge for more
than six decades; and

WHEREAS, Master Lodge No. 99 received its Warrant of Constitution on
October 3, 1961, and was granted its charter in 1963 during the Grand
Lodge Session presided over by Most Worshipful Grand Master Harold J.
Johnstone; the Lodge's first Worshipful Master was Francis L. Brown who
presided from 1961 to 1963; and

WHEREAS, Since its inception, Master Lodge No. 99 continues to be a
stalwart in the Harlem community, steadfastly supporting various
programs and initiatives, including the NYPD 30th Precinct Explorers
program, which provides local youth with an introduction to a career in
law enforcement or a related field in the criminal justice system; and

WHEREAS, This vital organization also donates annually to the Senior
Citizens Christmas Dinner and the 30th Precinct Annual Children's
Christmas Party where members donate and collect toys to distribute to
children in local schools and shelters; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, it's members have served as volunteer coaches
for the Police Athletic League (PAL), and annually support the Harmony
Day Picnic and National Night Out; and

WHEREAS, In 2015, Master Lodge No. 99 teamed up with City Harvest to
establish the Prince Hall Mobile Market in the Harlem community which
distributes fresh fruits and vegetables to over 800 families monthly;
and


WHEREAS, Master Lodge No. 99 of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall
Grand Lodge of New York has truly demonstrated continuous service to the
residents and communities which it serves; and

WHEREAS, The success of the Master Lodge No. 99 is in direct
correlation to the efforts of the Most Worshipful Master Milton T.
Reynolds, 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 Master Lodge No. 99 of the Most Worshipful Prince
Hall Grand Lodge of New York, Free and Accepted Masons, 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 Master Lodge No. 99 of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand
Lodge of the State of New York upon the occasion of hosting its Annual
Award Dinner Dance; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Most Worshipful Master Milton T. Reynolds, Master Lodge
No. 99 of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of the State of
New York.