Assembly Resolution No. 2219

BY: M. of A. Conrad

HONORING Sutherland Lodge No. 826 Free and
Accepted Masons of North Tonawanda, New York, upon
the occasion of celebrating its 125th Anniversary

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay tribute to those fraternal 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 honor
Sutherland Lodge No. 826 Free and Accepted Masons of North Tonawanda,
New York, upon the occasion of celebrating its 125th Anniversary on
Saturday, June 8, 2024; and

WHEREAS, The Free and Accepted Masons is the oldest fraternal
organization in the world, dating back 3,000 years or more; Sutherland
Lodge No. 826 has been successful, throughout its 125-year history, as a
significant influence in the community by providing leadership, a
principled way of life that is deeply rooted in a system of values,
social benevolence, emphasis on individual excellence, and its service
as a stabilizing force in the community; and

WHEREAS, In the late 1890s, a group of prominent North Tonawanda
Masons, most of whom were members of the Tonawanda Lodge No. 247, formed
a Lodge in North Tonawanda; on June 30, 1898, the Grand Lodge was
petitioned for a Charter to establish the Master Builders Lodge, and
dispensation was granted; and

WHEREAS, On June 7, 1899, M. W. William A. Sutherland, Grand Master
of Masons in the State of New York, granted the Charter which
established Sutherland Lodge No. 826, customarily taking the last name
of the Grand Master during whose term the Lodge was formed; and

WHEREAS, Seeking their own location, the Members of Sutherland Lodge
No. 826 convened their meetings at several places until 1970 when the
donations of several members' wills provided the funding to purchase a
building and renovate it, creating the Lodge's permanent home; and

WHEREAS, Sutherland Lodge No. 826 has been successful under the
leadership of numerous dedicated officers and members, attracting many
community leaders and businessmen; since its inception, the Lodge has
had 20 members receive Grand Lodge appointments, 10 of whom attained the
title District Deputy Grand Master; many members have chosen paths in
politics, becoming mayors and councilmen; and

WHEREAS, Sutherland Lodge No. 826, under the careful watch of
Worshipful Master Reverend Kanjin Cederman, proudly sponsors Starlight
Constellation of Junior Stars, State of New York, a not-for-profit
Masonic Affiliated Youth Organization for young women, between the ages
of 10 and 21, teaching them many life skills; and

WHEREAS, Additionally, Sutherland Lodge No. 826 provides
scholarships for local high school students and donations to many
charities within the community through annual fundraisers; and

WHEREAS, The principles of freemasonry compel these dedicated
members of Sutherland Lodge No. 826 to dispense charity while
maintaining integrity and honesty in their communities; belief in God,
family, and community are the core values of their organization; they
continue honorable and charitable work, sustaining the tradition of
perpetuating the mason's belief that each man is responsible for making
the world a better place; and

WHEREAS, From time to time, this Legislative Body takes note of
certain altruistic organizations it wishes to acknowledge for their
philanthropic and community-oriented contributions to our society which
enhance the basic humanity among all the citizens of New York State; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proudly moved to honor and commend
the members of Sutherland Lodge No. 826, past and present, who have
labored so conscientiously to secure and improve the quality of life for
the community they serve; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Sutherland Lodge No. 826 Free and Accepted Masons of North
Tonawanda, New York, upon the occasion of celebrating its 125th
Anniversary; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Sutherland Lodge No. 826.