Senate Resolution No. 1434

BY: Senator PARKER

COMMENDING the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand
Lodge of New York upon the occasion of hosting its
2026 Annual Vincent E. Best Mid-Year Assembly
January 23-25, 2026

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay tribute to those institutions of high purpose and distinguished
accomplishment whose enduring commitment to faith, service, leadership,
and community uplift has enriched the civic and moral life 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 2026 Annual Vincent E. Best Mid-Year Assembly,
to be held January 23-25, 2026; and

WHEREAS, The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of New York is
a historic fraternal institution comprised of men of conscience and
character, bound together as Freemasons by shared moral ideals and
esoteric values grounded in the timeless principles of Brotherly Love,
Relief, and Truth; and

WHEREAS, The Vincent E. Best Mid-Year Assembly has stood as a
cornerstone gathering of the Grand Lodge since its inception in 1972,
introduced by Most Worshipful Grand Master Vincent E. Best, who served
from 1971 to 1973, with the original purpose of refreshing from labor,
delivering the Grand Master's Mid-Year Address, and strengthening
fraternal fellowship through shared celebration; and

WHEREAS, Over the decades, the Vincent E. Best Mid-Year Assembly has
evolved into one of the most anticipated annual events of the Grand
Lodge, now encompassing leadership development and training workshops,
health and wellness initiatives, civic engagement activities, and
educational seminars, all designed to advance the well-being of members
and the broader community; and

WHEREAS, The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of New York
traces its distinguished lineage to 1812, having received its charter
from the African Lodge of Boston, and later achieving Grand Lodge status
in 1848, overcoming decades of oppression, division, and adversity to
emerge as a lasting testament to resilience, unity, and the
transformative power of brotherhood; and

WHEREAS, Originally known as the African Lodge of New York and later
renamed Boyer Lodge of New York in honor of Jean-Pierre Boyer, a revered
figure in Haiti's liberation, the Lodge played an active and courageous
role in the Underground Railroad and remains deeply rooted in the
struggle for freedom, justice, and equality; and

WHEREAS, The continued strength and success of the Most Worshipful
Prince Hall Grand Lodge of New York are attributable to the inspired
leadership of Most Worshipful Grand Master Darren M. Morton, Ed.D.,

together with the dedicated service of its officers and members,
including Grand Worthy Patron Grant Valentine and Grand Worthy Matron
Marsha L. Mack, whose collective stewardship exemplifies excellence,
devotion, and unwavering commitment to fraternal and community service;
and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is moved to honor the members of the
Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of New York, Free and Accepted
Masons, past and present, whose labors have consistently advanced the
spiritual, social, and civic well-being of the communities they serve;
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 2026 Annual Vincent E. Best Mid-Year Assembly, held January
23-25, 2026, and to extend best wishes for continued growth, fellowship,
and service; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Most Worshipful Grand Master Darren M. Morton, Ed.D.;
Grand Worthy Patron Grant Valentine; and Grand Worthy Matron Marsha L.
Mack of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of New York, Free
and Accepted Masons.