Senate Resolution No. 604

BY: Senator PARKER

HONORING Most Worshipful Gregory Robeson Smith,
Jr. upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition by the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand
Lodge of the State of New York on April 15, 2023

WHEREAS, The unity of our State and Nation is built upon the
compassion of individuals such as Gregory Robeson Smith, Jr. who uphold
the values of community life and who, through their great actions,
epitomize the best of humanity; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Most
Worshipful Gregory Robeson Smith, Jr. upon the occasion of his
designation for special recognition by the Most Worshipful Prince Hall
Grand Lodge of the State of New York to be celebrated at its Testimonial
Luncheon on Saturday, April 15, 2023, at the VIP Country Club, New
Rochelle, New York; and

WHEREAS, The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge (MWPHGL) Free
and Accepted Masons of the State of New York is a non-profit
organization which embodies a beautiful system of morality, veiled in
allegory and illustrated by symbols; and

WHEREAS, After earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business
Administration with a concentration in Banking and Finance from
Morehouse College, Gregory Robeson Smith, Jr. went on to receive a
Masters of Business Administration degree with a concentration in
Management from Long Island University; and

WHEREAS, Gregory Robeson Smith, Jr. currently serves as Regional
Vice President of Compass Group North America where he manages a $12
million dollar budget; throughout his 30 years of experience, he has
learned to successfully lead a team of professional staff, served as an
internal resource and consultant, and has worked collaboratively with a
wide array of clients and vendors; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, he has the necessary skill set to adapt to
various environments, build successful relationships with partners at
all levels of an organization and execute a different perspective toward
handling issues, completing tasks and managing direct reports; and

WHEREAS, Prior to serving in this capacity, Gregory Robeson Smith,
Jr. had an extensive career with numerous Fortune 500 Companies,
including Verizon Wireless, Citigroup, and Waste Management Inc.; and

WHEREAS, Gregory Robeson Smith, Jr. has been a member of Omega Psi
Phi Fraternity, Inc., PSI Chapter, since 1991; and

WHEREAS, As a fifth generation Prince Hall Mason, Gregory Robeson
Smith, Jr.'s devotion to masonry began more than 45 years ago; he served
as mascot for the Medina Temple No. 19 of the A.E.A.O.N.M.S. Inc., and
was a member of the Warriors Drum and Bugle Corporation; and

WHEREAS, After officially being raised to a Master Mason in the
oldest lodge in the State of New York, Boyer Lodge No. 1, Gregory
Robeson Smith, Jr.'s hunger for knowledge continued; he was elected as
Worshipful Master and served with distinction and honor; and

WHEREAS, Gregory Robeson Smith, Jr. continued to grow in the
organization and served as first Vice President of the first Masonic
District Association for a number of years; he was elected Illustrious
Potentate of the fifth largest Temple in the Imperial Domain, Medina
Temple No. 19 before his selection by MWPGM Dr. Solomon Wallace to serve
as Assistant of the Committee on Foreign Correspondence where he learned
the workings of the MWPHGL; and

WHEREAS, After working as Assistant of the Committee on Foreign
Correspondence, Gregory Robeson Smith, Jr. was appointed Chairman of the
Committee on Foreign Correspondence where he received his 33rd and last
degree; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, this extraordinary man has served as Junior
Grand Warden, Senior Grand Warden, and Deputy Grand Master of the MWPHGL
of New York; and

WHEREAS, Most Worshipful Gregory Robeson Smith, Jr. currently serves
as the 59th Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge
of New York where he continues to work for the brothers and sisters of
this auspicious organization with humility and dignity; and

WHEREAS, The success of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge
of the State of New York is in direct correlation to the efforts of its
dedicated Grand Master, Most Worshipful Gregory Robeson Smith, Jr.,
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, With him throughout have been his wife, Andrea, and their
two daughters, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of his life and
rejoice in his many achievements; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens
of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Most Worshipful Gregory Robeson Smith, Jr. upon the occasion of
his designation for special recognition by the Most Worshipful Prince
Hall Grand Lodge of the State of New York on April 15, 2023; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Most Worshipful Gregory Robeson Smith, Jr.