LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 210th Anniversary of the
Roman-Hatheway Lodge No. 223, Free and Accepted Masons of Rome, New
York, on November 21, 2009

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
those renowned organizations that devote their energy, resources and
thoughtful care to improving the quality and character of life in their
communities; 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 210th Anniversary of the Roman-Hatheway Lodge No. 223, Free
and Accepted Masons of Rome, New York, to be celebrated on Saturday,
November 21, 2009; and
WHEREAS, The Free and Accepted Masons are the oldest fraternal organ-
ization in the world dating back some 3,000 years; Freemasonry in Rome
has been successful for over 200 years because throughout its distin-
guished history it has continuously been a great influence in the commu-
nity by providing leadership, a principled way of life deeply rooted in
a system of values, social benevolence, emphasis on individual excel-
lence and serving as a stabilizing force in the community; and
WHEREAS, Proud of its lineage, its record of service to mankind, and
its Masonic achievements, the history of Masonry in the City of Rome has
prevailed unbroken for 210 years; it is deeply rooted in the American
revolutionary era; from its introduction in 1799, to the present day,
Freemasonry has been an important influence at work in the development
of the Rome community; and
WHEREAS, On January 11, 1798, the Steuben Lodge No. 54, then located
in Herkimer County, signed a petition recommending the issuance of a
Masonic charter in Rome, New York; this petition was formally presented
to the Grand Lodge of the State of New York on March 7, 1798; and
WHEREAS, Then on February 13, 1799, a charter was granted to Rome
Lodge No. 79 under the seal of Chancellor Robert R. Livingston, Grand
Master of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York; this was in fact the
first Masonic charter granted in the new Oneida County; Roman Lodge
officers were installed on March 7, 1799; and
WHEREAS, In 1908, a group of Masons from Roman Lodge asked to form a
new Lodge; on December 18, 1908, District Deputy Grand Master M. Love of
Utica instituted Hatheway Lodge, permitting it to operate under a
special dispensation until June 5, 1909, when Hatheway Lodge No. 869 was
duly constituted with 27 charter members; and
WHEREAS, Almost 100 years later, the year 1996, heralded a new age for
Rome Masonry with the merger of Roman and Hatheway Lodges which subse-
quently became known as Roman-Hatheway Lodge No. 223; and
WHEREAS, Looking back at the grim days from the mid 1820s through the
1840s, the Civil War, the harshness of the Great Depression, and the
social unrest and many wars that characterized the twentieth century,
the principles and tenets of Masonry in Rome have withstood the sands of
time; and
WHEREAS, There are several reasons why Masonry in Rome had survived
these challenging moments in history; first and foremost was its stead-
fast adherence to the beliefs and traditions of the Free Masons; second,
lodge membership was by choice; members were guided by their own free
will and accord; third, the internal structure of the fraternity helped
avoid political strife; and fourth, the tradition of the Free Masons in
Rome was a formidable part of the community fabric; and
WHEREAS, The celebration of 210 years of Free Masons in Rome rekindles
a sense of concern and obligation similar to what local Masons had felt

in revolutionary times about their emerging country; it speaks to a
resolute belief that the tradition of Free Masons will continue with the
same enthusiasm and purpose; and
WHEREAS, For the members of the Roman-Hatheway Lodge No. 223, who
stand on the threshold of a rare moment in time after having recently
entered the new millennium, this 210th Anniversary Celebration is a gift
of encouragement designed to span the dream of tomorrow with the old
tenets of a rich heritage and remarkable personal relationships; and
WHEREAS, Organizations of singular distinction such as the Roman-
Hatheway Lodge No. 223, provide a model for enhancing the quality of
life in the community and, as such, merit the grateful praise of the
community of the State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 210th Anniversary of the Roman-Hatheway Lodge No. 223,
Free and Accepted Masons of Rome, New York, on November 21, 2009; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Roman-Hatheway Lodge No. 223, Free and Accepted Masons of
Rome, New York.