Senate Resolution No. 2269

BY: Senator PARKER

COMMENDING the Fellowcraft Club of Lewis Hayden
Lodge No. 69 upon the occasion of hosting its Gospel
Brunch honoring Past Master Joseph Forsythe on June
20, 2026

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay tribute to those organizations of high purpose and worthy
accomplishment whose enduring commitment to fraternal excellence,
community service, and the honoring of distinguished leadership 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 Fellowcraft Club of Lewis Hayden Lodge No. 69 upon the
occasion of hosting its Gospel Brunch honoring Past Master Joseph
Forsythe on Saturday, June 20, 2026, under the leadership of Worshipful
Master Albert Williams; and

WHEREAS, Lewis Hayden Lodge No. 69 of the Most Worshipful Prince
Hall Grand Lodge of New York bears the name of Lewis Hayden, the freedom
fighter, abolitionist, and Underground Railroad conductor who escaped
slavery, dedicated his life to the liberation of others, and stands as
one of the most consequential figures in the history of the African
American struggle for freedom - a name whose weight and meaning
challenge every member of this Lodge to live up to the legacy it
carries; and

WHEREAS, The dedicated Masons of Lewis Hayden Lodge No. 69 are men
with a social conscience and a charitable perspective, bound together by
the timeless principles of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth, whose
involvement in their communities reflects the highest ideals of Prince
Hall Masonry; and

WHEREAS, Past Master Joseph Forsythe has served Lewis Hayden Lodge
No. 69 with distinction, integrity, and an abiding commitment to the
welfare of his Brethren and the communities the Lodge serves; his tenure
as Worshipful Master and his continued service as a Past Master reflect
the finest traditions of Masonic leadership, and the Gospel Brunch held
in his honor is a fitting tribute to a life of fraternal devotion; and

WHEREAS, The Fellowcraft Club, in bringing together Brothers and
guests for a morning of gospel music, fellowship, and celebration,
embodies the spirit of joy and gratitude that animates the best of
fraternal life and the recognition that the bonds of brotherhood are
worth not only the solemn obligations of the Lodge room but the warmth
and laughter of shared celebration; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proudly moved to honor the
Fellowcraft Club of Lewis Hayden Lodge No. 69, Worshipful Master Albert
Williams, Past Master Joseph Forsythe, and the officers and members of
this distinguished Lodge; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Fellowcraft Club of Lewis Hayden Lodge No. 69 upon the
occasion of hosting its Gospel Brunch honoring Past Master Joseph
Forsythe on June 20, 2026, and to extend congratulations and deepest
appreciation to all who make this celebration possible; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Worshipful Master Albert Williams, Past Master Joseph
Forsythe, and the officers and members of Lewis Hayden Lodge No. 69 of
the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of New York, Free and
Accepted Masons of the State of New York.