Senate Resolution No. 1610

BY: Senator PARKER

COMMEMORATING the 3rd Annual Prince Hall Day at
the New York State Capitol on March 18, 2026

WHEREAS, It is the proud tradition of this Legislative Body to
recognize and commend those venerable institutions whose unwavering
commitment to faith, moral uprightness, charity, and civic virtue has
strengthened the fabric of our State and Nation; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
and celebrate the 3rd Annual Prince Hall Day at the Capitol, to be held
on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, an occasion which uplifts the enduring
legacy, service, and civic advocacy of Prince Hall Freemasonry; and

WHEREAS, Prince Hall Freemasonry traces its distinguished origins to
1775, when Prince Hall and fourteen other men of African descent were
initiated into Military Lodge No. 441 in Boston, Massachusetts, and
later received a charter from the Grand Lodge of England in 1784, thus
establishing a sacred institution grounded in brotherhood,
enlightenment, and the pursuit of liberty and justice; and

WHEREAS, Since its founding, Prince Hall Masonry has stood as a
pillar within the African-American community and beyond, advancing
education, economic empowerment, civic leadership, and charitable relief
while nurturing generations of leaders devoted to the principles of
faith, hope, and charity; and

WHEREAS, Prince Hall Masons have labored tirelessly in the vineyard
of humanity, supporting scholarships, youth mentorship, disaster relief,
housing initiatives, voter engagement, and community health programs
and, thereby, embodying the highest tenets of Freemasonry which are
Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth; and

WHEREAS, The observance of Prince Hall Day at the Capitol provides a
powerful platform for fellowship, legislative engagement, and public
education, fostering meaningful dialogue between Masonic leadership and
elected officials while illuminating the Order's ongoing contributions
to civic life; and

WHEREAS, This year's convening is guided by the distinguished
leadership of Most Worshipful Grand Master Darren M. Morton, Ed.D.,
whose visionary stewardship, scholarly insight, and steadfast devotion
to the Craft have strengthened the mission, visibility, and community
impact of Prince Hall Masonry throughout the Jurisdiction; and

WHEREAS, Under Grand Master Darren Morton's leadership, the Order
continues to expand its philanthropic reach, fortify its educational
initiatives, and uphold its sacred charge to serve as a moral compass
and beacon of light within the communities it serves; and

WHEREAS, The 3rd Annual Prince Hall Day at the Capitol stands as
both a celebration of legacy and a call to continued labor, honoring the
sacrifices of the forebearers while inspiring present and future Masons

to advance the timeless work of justice, equity, and community uplift;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor and commend the organizers, officers, and members of Prince Hall
Freemasonry upon the occasion of the 3rd Annual Prince Hall Day at the
Capitol, recognizing their enduring legacy of leadership, service, and
fraternal excellence; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Most Worshipful Grand Master Darren M. Morton, Ed.D., and
the Officers and Members of Prince Hall Freemasonry as an expression of
this Legislative Body's profound respect and appreciation for their
historic and continuing contributions to the State of New York and
beyond.