Senate Resolution No. 826

BY: Senator PARKER

COMMENDING the Most Worshipful Prince Hall, Grand
Lodge of the State of New York upon the occasion of
hosting its Gospel Arthur J. Harris Jr. Brunch on
May 13, 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 the Most Worshipful Prince Hall, Grand Lodge of the State of New
York upon the occasion of hosting its Gospel Arthur J. Harris Jr. Brunch
on Saturday, May 13, 2023, at Thomasina's Catering Hall, 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, Established by a group of like-minded young men, the club
received its charter in 1812 from the African Lodge of Boston, and later
received its Grand Lodge title in 1848 after decades of outside
oppression, division, and change; the Freemasons of this Grand Lodge are
a standing testament to resilience, strength, and unity through a common
sense of brotherhood; and

WHEREAS, The Gospel Brunch began in 1986 when Past Master Richard
Glover and Past Master Donald Washington went to a Brunch at Copelands
Restaurant, where they asked Fellowcraft Club of Lewis Hayden No. 69 to
have a fundraiser at Copelands Restaurant; and

WHEREAS, On January 15, 1987, the Fellowcraft Club of Lewis Hayden
No. 69 had their first Martin Luther King Gospel Brunch; during this
time, the Officers were Worshipful Master Lloyd Jordan, Senior Warden
James Howard, and Junior Warden William Fairley; Past Master Copeland,
the owner of the restaurant, was a member of Fidelity No. 97 and a
33-degree Mason; and

WHEREAS, In 2018, shortly after the passing of Past Master Arthur J.
Harris Jr., it was proposed the brunch be renamed in honor of this
beloved Past Master, a truly honorable and respectful man, and dedicated
servant of Lodge No. 69; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his steadfast and unwavering commitment to
this vital fraternal organization, Past Master Arthur J. Harris Jr. was
loving father and servant of God, a retired member of the Grievance
Department for New York City Corrections, a loyal Brother of Omega Psi

Phi Incorporated Alpha Chapter, and a distinguished member of the Howard
University community; and

WHEREAS, 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 Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge
of New York is in direct correlation to the efforts of 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 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 the Most Worshipful Prince Hall, Grand Lodge of the State of New
York upon the occasion of hosting its Gospel Arthur J. Harris Jr. Brunch
on May 13, 2023; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Most Worshipful Prince Hall, Grand Lodge of the State
of New York.