Senate Resolution No. 202

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMEMORATING the 200th Anniversary of Utica Lodge
No. 47, Free and Accepted Masons to be celebrated on
November 12, 2016

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
commemorate the 200th Anniversary of Utica Lodge No. 47, Free and
Accepted Masons to be celebrated with a public ceremony at the Masonic
Hall, Utica, New York, on Saturday, November 12, 2016; the celebration
will include a visit from MW Jeffrey M. Williamson, Grand Master of
Masons in the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, To further observe this auspicious event, a 200th
Anniversary dinner will be held at Daniele's Banquet Specialists, New
Hartford, New York; and

WHEREAS, The Free and Accepted Masons are the oldest fraternal
organization in the world dating back some 3,000 years; Utica Lodge No.
47, Free and Accepted Masons has been successful for 200 years because
throughout its distinguished history it has continuously been a great
influence in the community by providing leadership, a principled way of
life deeply rooted in a system of values, social benevolence, emphasis
on individual excellence and serving as a stabilizing force in the
community; and

WHEREAS, Proud of its lineage, its record of service to mankind, and
its Masonic achievements, the history of Utica Lodge No. 47, Free and
Accepted Masons has prevailed unbroken for two centuries; from its
introduction in 1816, to the present day, Freemasonry has been an
important influence at work in the development of the Utica community;
and

WHEREAS, Utica Lodge No. 47, Free and Accepted Masons was chartered
on November 25, 1816; today, it is under the luminous command of its
Worshipful Master, Dan White; and

WHEREAS, Since its founding 200 years ago, the growth of Utica Lodge
No. 47, Free and Accepted Masons has closely paralleled that of the
Village and City of Utica; recently, this prominent lodge has been
recognized for its benevolence and compassion to countless civic and
charitable endeavors; and

WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of
certain altruistic individuals and organizations it wishes to
acknowledge for their philanthropic contributions to our society which
enhance the basic humanity among us all; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proudly moved to honor and commend
the members of Utica Lodge No. 47, Free and Accepted Masons, past and
present, who have labored so conscientiously to secure and improve the
quality of life for the community it serves; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 200th Anniversary of Utica Lodge No. 47, Free and
Accepted Masons; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Dan White, Worshipful Master, Utica Lodge No. 47, Free
and Accepted Masons.