Senate Resolution No. 1430

BY: Senator PARKER

COMMENDING Doric Lodge No. 53 Men of Distinction
upon the occasion of hosting its Annual Spring Gala
to be held April 18, 2026

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those venerable fraternal institutions whose enduring commitment
to faith, service, leadership, and moral development has strengthened
communities and uplifted generations; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Doric Lodge No. 53 Men of Distinction upon the occasion of
hosting its Annual Spring Gala, to be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026,
an event dedicated to celebrating excellence, refinement, brotherhood,
and service in the proud tradition of Prince Hall Freemasonry; and

WHEREAS, Doric Lodge No. 53 traces its origins to July 3, 1916,
when, amid uncertain times and gathering war clouds, a group of
visionary men came together in search of greater light through Masonry,
forming a Masonic club devoted to fellowship, moral instruction, and the
pursuit of truth; and

WHEREAS, In 1917, this body received its charter from the Most
Worshipful Grand Lodge of the Most Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of
Free and Accepted Masons, State of New York, and on October 1, 1921,
Doric Lodge

No. 53 was duly warranted under the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand
Lodge of the State of New York, thereby securing its place within the
historic lineage of Prince Hall Freemasonry; and

WHEREAS, Through the steadfast leadership of its early officers and
Worshipful Masters, including Brother Ellsworth Jackson and others who
labored faithfully in its formative years, Doric Lodge No. 53
established a lasting foundation rooted in integrity, discipline,
charity, and reverence for God, the Great Architect of the Universe; and

WHEREAS, For many years, the brethren of Doric Lodge No. 53 aspired
to secure a permanent home for their labors; on January 21, 1975,
through collective sacrifice and visionary leadership under the
administration of Worshipful Master Emurray Clopton, that aspiration was
realized with the purchase of the Lodge's present home at 95 Westbury
Boulevard in Hempstead, New York, a testament to unity, perseverance,
and fraternal devotion; and

WHEREAS, Today, Doric Lodge No. 53 continues to advance its historic
mission under the leadership of Worshipful Master Walter Whaley, whose
guidance and stewardship reflect a deep respect for Masonic tradition
and a steadfast commitment to strengthening brotherhood, service, and
civic responsibility within the Lodge and the broader community; and

WHEREAS, For more than a century, Doric Lodge No. 53 has remained
unwavering in its dedication to cultivating upright men, promoting

charitable works, mentoring future leaders, and serving as a beacon of
moral and civic responsibility; and

WHEREAS, The Men of Distinction Annual Spring Gala stands as a
contemporary expression of these enduring values, providing an occasion
to honor achievement, celebrate culture and refinement, strengthen
fraternal bonds, and reaffirm a shared commitment to excellence and
community uplift; and

WHEREAS, This distinguished gathering reflects the Lodge's
dedication to preserving Masonic tradition while engaging the present
generation in purposeful fellowship and charitable endeavor, ensuring
that the light first kindled in 1916 continues to shine brightly for
generations to come; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Doric Lodge No. 53 Men of Distinction upon the occasion of
hosting its Annual Spring Gala, to be held April 18, 2026, and to extend
sincere appreciation to Worshipful Master Walter Whaley, the officers,
members, and supporters of Doric Lodge No. 53 for their unwavering
commitment to faith, fraternity, leadership, and service; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the leadership of Doric Lodge No. 53, in recognition of
its distinguished history, enduring legacy, and continued contributions
to the moral and civic life of the community.