Honor Utica Masons' 200th Anniversary

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.