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.