Honor Knights of Columbus Anniversary

Senate Resolution No. 2137 BY: Senator GOLDEN COMMEMORATING the 50th Anniversary of The Reverend E. J. Matthews Council No. 5989 Knights of Columbus on June 10, 2017 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 50th Anniversary of The Reverend E. J. Matthews Council No. 5989 Knights of Columbus to be celebrated at a Dinner Dance on Saturday, June 10, 2017, at The Baron DeKalb in Brooklyn, New York; and WHEREAS, The Knights of Columbus stands on four principles: Charity, members are called to love their neighbors; Unity, members act as a band of brothers, focusing on their roles and duties as Catholic men; Patriotism, participants are Americans who serve our veterans and profess the importance of religious freedom for everyone; and Fraternity, each Knight provides assistance to their fellow member as well as his family; and WHEREAS, The Reverend E. J. Matthews Council No. 5989 of the Knights of Columbus was granted a charter from the Supreme Council on June 10,

1967; named after its founder, Reverend E. J. Matthews, the original members were Catholic gentleman from the Resurrection Church, and Gerritsen Beach, Brooklyn; and WHEREAS, Reverend E. J. Matthews held meetings in the basement of the Church until the organization obtained its own building; from its humble beginnings of a few men meeting in a basement, The Reverend E. J. Matthews Council No. 5989 of the Knights of Columbus has grown to a membership of approximately 450 men, 45 of whom hold the high honor of 4th Degree Knights; and WHEREAS, Through the years, The Reverend E. J. Matthews Council No.

5989 has participated in numerous fundraisers to benefit various local organizations such as Resurrection Church and its CCD Program, the Gerritsen Beach Little League, the Resurrection Sports Program, the Gerritsen Beach Volunteer Fire Department, and GB Cares, as well as the Gerritsen Beach Property Owners Association; and WHEREAS, The Knights also raise money for cancer research and its pet project, cystic fibrosis; for 21 years, the Council has supported research efforts and helped raise awareness for this terrible affliction through its Annual Pool Tournament held during April and May; and WHEREAS, In so effectively carrying out its mission, The Reverend E. J. Matthews Council No. 5989 Knights of Columbus, under the luminous leadership of Grand Knight, John Naimoli, has demonstrated the value of fostering camaraderie in a shared vision of community service; this mission is indicative of a noble organization which epitomizes the heart and soul of what it means to be an American; and WHEREAS, Organizations of singular distinction such as The Reverend E. J. Matthews Council No. 5989 Knights of Columbus 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; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of The Reverend E. J. Matthews Council No. 5989 Knights of Columbus on June 10, 2017; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to John Naimoli, Grand Knight, The Reverend E. J. Matthews Council No. 5989 Knights of Columbus.