Senate Resolution No. 305

BY: Senator PARKER

HONORING St. Joseph Lodge No. 117, Most Worshipful
Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons
of the State of New York, upon the occasion of
hosting its Annual Widows' Breakfast on March 2,
2025

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 St. Joseph Lodge No. 117, Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand
Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New York, upon the
occasion of hosting its Annual Widows' Breakfast on Sunday, March 2,
2025; and

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

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

WHEREAS, The Masons of St. Joseph Lodge No. 117 have truly
demonstrated continuous service to the residents and communities which
they serve; and

WHEREAS, St. Joseph Lodge No. 117 was founded in 1953 in the
basement of Deacon William Grant of Mt. Zion Church in Mt. Vernon, New
York; the first Worshipful Master of the Lodge was Herbert Grant,
followed by Charles Webb and Willie Gibson; and

WHEREAS, St. Joseph Lodge No. 117 was a member of the Alpha Grand
Lodge of New York City and held 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 was 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 117
and became a member of the Third Masonic District; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proudly moved to honor and commend
the members of St. Joseph Lodge No. 117, past and present, who have
labored so conscientiously to secure and improve the quality of life for
the community they serve; now, therefore, be it


RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend St. Joseph Lodge No. 117, Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand
Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New York, upon the
occasion of hosting its Annual Widows' Breakfast on March 2, 2025; and
be it further

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