LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 250th Anniversary of Mount
Vernon Masonic Lodge No. 3 on February 21, 2015

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 commem-
orate the 250th Anniversary of Mount Vernon Masonic Lodge No. 3 cele-
brated on Saturday, February 21, 2015, at the Albany Masonic Temple in
Albany, New York; and
WHEREAS, In 1737, the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Ireland
granted a warrant to the Second Battalion, First Royal Foot Guards of
the British Army; after arriving in North America in 1757, these men
moved into the growing army being organized in Albany and initiated or
admitted local Masons into their Lodge; and
WHEREAS, Although records of this esteemed organization are sparse
prior to 1800, there does exist a copy of the By Laws of Union Lodge No.
1 prepared by Peter W. Yates, Master, which were approved and the Lodge
reconfirmed by Sir John Johnson, Provincial Grand Master in 1773; and
WHEREAS, When the Grand Lodge of New York was established in 1781, the
early lodges that survived the Revolution seem to have acknowledged the
authority of the new Grand Lodge and some members; however many of them,
particularly the upstate lodges steadfastly refused to surrender their
Provincial Warrants; and
WHEREAS, The date of February 21, 1765, was acknowledged by the
members of the Grand Lodge and after several years of controversy and
dispute, the original Colonial charter was relinquished and a new one
obtained in 1806, bearing the name of Mount Vernon Lodge No. 3; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the Mount Vernon Masonic Lodge No. 3's distin-
guished 250 year history, many of its members have been important
members of the community; over 2200 names can be found as members of
Union/Mount Vernon Lodge including Richard Cartwright, Sir William John-
son, Peter W. Yates, Seth Warner, Matthew Visscher, Samuel Belding,
Thomas J. Van Alstyne; and
WHEREAS, Organizations of singular distinction such as the Mount
Vernon Masonic Lodge No. 3 provide a model for enhancing the quality of
life in the community and, as such, merit the grateful praise of the
community of the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that when insti-
tutions of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations and
most joyously commemorate the 250th Anniversary of Mount Vernon Masonic
Lodge No. 3 in Albany, New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Mount Vernon Masonic Lodge No. 3.