Senate Resolution No. 2657

BY: Senator PARKER

COMMENDING Medina Temple No. 19 upon the occasion
of hosting its Annual Ball Weekend, honoring
Illustrious Potentate Patrick E. Ryner

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that
the quality and character of life in the communities across New York
State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those
organizations and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare
of the community and its citizenry; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Medina Temple No. 19 upon the occasion of hosting its Annual
Ball Weekend honoring Illustrious Potentate Patrick E. Ryner, to be
celebrated November 1-3, 2024, in Sleepy Hollow, New York; and

WHEREAS, Medina Court was organized as Naja Court No. 11 in the
Desert of New York, Oasis of Manhattan, on October 11, 1909; Bessie
Little, assisted by Francis Butler and 14 members formed a chapter which
was warranted by Medina Temple No. 19, A.E.A.O.N.M.S. of North and South
America, and Past Imperial Potentate Eugene Phillips (1910-1913) was the
Illustrious Potentate of Medina Temple No. 19 at the time; and

WHEREAS, The Imperial Grand Council of Prince Hall Shriners was
organized in Chicago, Illinois on June 10, 1893, led by John G. Jones
and Grand Potentate; on December 12, 1900, in Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania, the Imperial Council was reorganized with a new name, the
Imperial Council of the Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles of The
Mystic Shrine, North and South America and Its Jurisdictions, Inc.; and

WHEREAS, In August of 1893, Medina Temple received its original
warrant and was the third temple organized; and

WHEREAS, In 1906, Medina Temple was re-warranted and given the
number 19; today, they are officially Medina Temple No. 19; and

WHEREAS, Three sons of Medina No. 19 have had the honor and
privilege of serving the Noble order as Imperial Potentates; they are
Eugene Phillips (1910 to 1913); Harry Knight (1931 to 1935); and Charles
A. Dargan (1969 to 1971); and

WHEREAS, Medina Temple No. 19 has been well served by many famous
and outstanding nobles such as Matthew A. Henson, an explorer, who
served with Admiral Perry on the trip to the North Pole; A. Phillip
Randolph, a civil rights and religious leader; Adam Clayton Powell, Jr.
politician, civil rights and religious leader; John W. Davis,
presidential advisor, educator, and civil rights leader; Thurgood
Marshall, a civil rights legal pioneer and Supreme Court Judge; Reverend
Calvin Butts, religious leader; William J. Richardson, businessman, Vice
President of the Schieffelin & Somerset Company; Dick Gidron,
businessman and philanthropist; Milton Hinton, noted jazz musician; and
Hilton Jefferson, musician and composer; and

WHEREAS, Today, we honor Illustrious Potentate Patrick E. Ryner, who
has joined the tradition of these great men and leads this distinguished
organization with grace and dedication; may his good works echo through
the history of Medina Court No. 19 and inspire those who follow in his
lauded footsteps; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that when
organizations and individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are
brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by
all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Medina Temple No. 19 upon the occasion of hosting its Annual
Ball Weekend, honoring Illustrious Potentate Patrick E. Ryner; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Medina Temple No. 19 and Illustrious Potentate Patrick E.
Ryner.