Senate Resolution No. 270 BY: Senator PARKER COMMENDING the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of New York upon the occasion of hosting its Vincent E. Best Mid-Year Assembly January 24-26, 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 the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of New York upon the occasion of hosting its Vincent E. Best Mid-Year Assembly January 24-26, 2025; 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, The Vincent E. Best Mid-Year Assembly has been a featured event of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of New York since 1972 when it was introduced by Most Worshipful Grand Master, Vincent E. Best who served from 1971-1973; the original purpose of this event was to refresh from labor, at which time the Grand Master would deliver his Mid-Year address, and for enjoyment a Grand Master's Ball was held; and WHEREAS, Over the years, the Vincent E. Best Mid-Year Assembly has expanded to include more activities such as training workshops, health screening, and census education seminars, and has become one of the most anticipated events of the year; 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, 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 Lodge was initially to be called the African Lodge of New York, but later changed to Boyer Lodge of New York in honor of Jean Pierre Boyer who black Masons admired and respected for his significant role in Haiti's war of liberation from France; this New York Lodge was an active participant in the Underground Railroad, guiding enslaved persons to freedom and has deep-rooted history in abolition movements; and WHEREAS, The success of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of New York is in direct correlation to the efforts of the Most Worshipful Walter C. King, Jr., and its 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 New York, Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New York upon the occasion of hosting its Vincent E. Best Mid-Year Assembly January 24-26, 2025; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the Most Worshipful Grand Master Reverend Doctor Darren M. Morton of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New York.