Senate Resolution No. 799

BY: Senator PARKER

COMMENDING Saint Joseph Lodge No. 117, Most
Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge, Free and
Accepted Masons of the State of New York upon the
occasion of hosting its Annual Breakfast recognizing
their widows on March 5, 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 Saint Joseph Lodge No. 117, Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand
Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New York upon the
occasion of hosting its Annual Breakfast to recognize their widows on
Sunday, March 5, 2023; and

WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion is a time to give an expression of
love and gratitude to all of the widows of the lodge, and to reflect,
acknowledge, and give thanks for their past; and

WHEREAS, The dedicated Masons of Saint Joseph Lodge No. 117 are men
with a social conscience and a charitable perspective, also known as
Freemasons; it is a fraternal organization that shares common moral
ideals and esoteric values and is based on the doctrine of Brotherly
Love, Relief and Truth; and

WHEREAS, The Masons of Saint Joseph Lodge No. 117 have truly
demonstrated continuous service to the residents and communities which
it serves; and

WHEREAS, Saint Joseph Lodge No. 17 was founded in 1953, in Mount
Vernon, New York, in the basement of Deacon William Grant of Mt. Zion
Church; the first Worshipful Master of the lodge was Herbert Grant, then
Charles Webb, and finally Willie Gibson; and

WHEREAS, Saint Joseph Lodge No. 17 was a member of the Alpha Grand
Lodge of New York City, and used to hold their meetings at various
churches and the Odd Fellow Hall in Mount Vernon; eventually the members
purchased a building at 28 E. 1st Street where they continue to hold
their meetings; and

WHEREAS, In 1983, under the Leadership of Worshipful Master Willie
Gibson, the Lodge became Under Dispensation (UD), to become a member of
the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of the State of New York,
and one year later, it received its Charter; the Lodge was renumbered to
117 and became a member of the Third Masonic District; and

WHEREAS, The first elected Principal officers of Saint Joseph Lodge
No. 117 were Paul Bates, Worshipful Master; Amos Jones, Senior Warden;
and Earlie Albright, Junior Warden; and

WHEREAS, Staying true to the principles of freemasonry, Saint Joseph
Lodge No. 117 has participated in various community activities such as
cooking and serving meals at the local soup kitchen, sponsoring a Little
League baseball team, and supporting its Grand Lodge Scholarship fund
program to assist the local youth with their education needs; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proudly moved to honor and commend
the members of Saint Joseph Lodge No. 117, Prince Hall Affiliation, 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 Saint Joseph Lodge No. 117, Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand
Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New York upon the
occasion of hosting its Annual Breakfast to recognize their widows on
March 5, 2023; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Saint Joseph Lodge No. 117, Most Worshipful Prince Hall
Grand Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New York.