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.