J 305: 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

 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.