LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 105th Anniversary of Faerder
Lodge No. 109, Sons of Norway, on April 23, 2016

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body, in keeping with its
time-honored traditions, to recognize and pay tribute to those organiza-
tions and individuals who foster ethnic pride and enhance the profile of
cultural diversity which strengthens the fabric of the communities of
New York State; 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 105th Anniversary of Faerder Lodge No. 109, Sons of Norway to
be celebrated at a luncheon held on Saturday, April 23, 2016, at Bay
Ridge Manor in Brooklyn, New York; and
WHEREAS, The Sons of Norway organization was founded in January of
1895, when a small group of 18 Norwegian immigrants came together in
Minneapolis, Minnesota, to create a mutual assistance group which would
support members of its community in times of need; and
WHEREAS, Over the years, the Sons of Norway has grown exponentially
while fulfilling its noble mission, and is now an international organ-
ization with a vast network of members and lodges throughout North Amer-
ica and Norway; and
WHEREAS, Originally chartered on January 6th, 1911, Faerder Lodge No.
109 of Brooklyn, New York, is the oldest Sons of Norway lodge on the
Eastern Seaboard; and
WHEREAS, Taking its name from the Faerder Fyr lighthouse in Oslofjord,
Norway, Faerder Lodge No. 109 has served as a guiding light for many
Norwegian Americans who have emigrated to the United States; and
WHEREAS, A vital part of the Norwegian Colony in Brooklyn since its
inception, Faerder Lodge No. 109 has supported numerous charities
including the Norwegian Children's Home, the Norwegian Christian Home,
Eger Home, Camp Norge, Norwegian Seamen's Church; and
WHEREAS, During World War II, Faerder Lodge No. 109 proudly supported
the Red Cross, President Roosevelt's Fund, American Relief for Norway,
Little Norway and the Norwegian Seaman's Fund; and
WHEREAS, This esteemed lodge has worked in recent years, to support
BRAVO, the Norwegian Immigration Association, Scandinavian East Coast
Museum, Sons of Norway Foundation, Ski for Light, Vinland Center, and
Third District Charitable Trust Fund; and
WHEREAS, Today, the dedicated members of the Faerder Lodge continue to
hold monthly business and social meetings, while also sending delegates
to important organization events like the Biennial District Convention
and International Convention; and
WHEREAS, As it looks forward to the future with confidence, Faerder
Lodge continues to work hard to generate interest in its organization
while striving to promote Norwegian Heritage and Culture; and
WHEREAS, The success of Faerder Lodge No. 109 is in direct correlation
to the efforts of its members, whose involvement is, and always has
been, characterized by an impressive commitment, an unbridled enthusi-
asm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in all endeavors on
behalf of this exceptional institution and the community it serves; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor and pay
tribute to those organizations whose commitment and cultural pride have
contributed to the enrichment of the citizens of the State of New York;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 105th Anniversary of Faerder Lodge No. 109, Sons of
Norway; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Faerder Lodge No. 109, Sons of Norway.