LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the dedi-
cation of the Knights Templar Building on May 18, 2015

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that the quality and
character of life of the citizens of New York State are greatly enriched
by the availability of exceptional community institutions which have
become an important part of the history of our State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 100th Anniversary of the dedication of the Knights Templar
Building on May 18, 2015; and
WHEREAS, The Masonic Care Community of New York is the center diamond
in a crown of properties owned and managed by the Trustees of the Mason-
ic Hall and Home and the Members of the Masonic Fraternity; its mission
is to support, nurture and educate others by providing exceptional care
in accordance with the Masonic Principles of Brotherly Love, Relief,
Truth and Integrity; and
WHEREAS, The Masonic Care Community of New York opened its doors as
the Masonic Home in May of 1893, and over the years, has been a safe
haven and welcome place for tens of thousands of people; currently, it
houses more than 500 seniors, and employs close to 900 people; and
WHEREAS, On May 18,1915, the Grand Commandry of the Knights Templar
for the State of New York, in conjunction with the Trustees of the
Masonic Hall and Asylum Fund dedicated the cornerstone of the Knights
Templar Building which would become the first girls dormitory on the
Utica Campus; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the past century, the Knights Templar Building has
served in such capacities as an elementary school and the first location
of the Occupational Therapy Department for senior members who lived at
the home; and
WHEREAS, Today, the Knights Templar Building continues to be a corner-
stone of the Masonic Care Community Campus, housing the New York State
office of the Royal Arch Masons and the DeMolay, as well as the Masonic
Care Community Communications, Development and Marketing offices; and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body that those insti-
tutions which enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and
have shown a long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have
earned the recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great
Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the dedication of the Knights Temp-
lar Building; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Masonic Care Community of New York.