Bill Text: NY J01303 | 2023-2024 | General Assembly | Introduced

New York Senate Resolution 1303

Introduced

Bill Title: Commending Grand Worthy Patron Paul W. James upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by Eureka Grand Chapter, Prince Hall Order Eastern Star, Inc., State of New York on May 29-30, 2023

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Passed) 2023-06-06 - ADOPTED [J01303 Detail]

Download: New_York-2023-J01303-Introduced.html


Senate Resolution No. 1303

BY: Senator PARKER

        COMMENDING  Grand Worthy Patron Paul W. James upon
        the  occasion  of  his   designation   for   special
        recognition  by  Eureka  Grand  Chapter, Prince Hall
        Order Eastern Star, Inc., State of New York  on  May
        29-30, 2023

  WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that
the  quality  and  character  of life in the communities across New York
State are reflective of the concerned and  dedicated  efforts  of  those
individuals  who would devote themselves to the welfare of the community
and its citizenry; and

  WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and  in  full  accord  with  its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Grand  Worthy  Patron Paul W. James upon the occasion of his designation
for special recognition by  Eureka  Grand  Chapter,  Prince  Hall  Order
Eastern  Star,  Inc.,  State  of  New  York, to be observed at its 126th
Annual Grand Session on May 29-30, 2023, at the Westchester Marriott  in
Tarrytown, New York; and

  WHEREAS,  Grand  Worthy Patron Paul W. James has given tirelessly of
his time and energies to Eureka Grand Chapter, Prince Hall Order Eastern
Star, Inc., State of New York, an  adoptive  rite  of  Freemasonry  with
teachings  based  on  the  Bible and whose objectives are charitable and
benevolent; and

  WHEREAS, Paul W. James was born the 12th of 13  children  to  Esther
and  John  W. James, Sr. in the Bronx, New York; he graduated from Mount
Vernon High  School  where  he  ran  track  and  played  in  the  school
orchestra; and

  WHEREAS,  While earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from
C.W.   Post College  of  Long  Island  University,  Paul  W.  James  was
initiated  into  Phi  Beta  Sigma  Fraternity, Inc. through the Nu Kappa
undergraduate  chapter,  serving  as   Treasurer,   Secretary,   Chapter
President and Dean of Pledges; while in college, he also participated in
the  African  Peoples  Organization,  the  Phi  Beta Lambda Professional
Business Fraternity and Toastmasters International; and

  WHEREAS, In 1990,  Paul  W.  James  completed  a  lifelong  goal  of
becoming  a  Prince Hall Mason; in 1998, he was elevated to the position
of Worshipful Master of the lodge;  one  year  later,  he  received  the
Eastern  Star  Degrees  through Deborah Chapter No. 31 in Hempstead, New
York, and in 2000, he was elected the Associate Patron of  the  Chapter,
serving alongside his wife; and

  WHEREAS,  In  2001,  he was elected to the position of Worthy Patron
for  the  first  time  and  has  served  in   that   position   for   10
administrations;  he has also served as the District Deputy Grand Patron
of the Fourth District since 2001; and

  WHEREAS, Paul W. James was appointed a Deputy Grand Marshall by Most
Worshipful Bernard L. Holley, Past Grand Master; he held  this  esteemed

position  until  2010,  when  he was elected Grand Treasurer of the Most
Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of New York; and

  WHEREAS,  In  2012,  Paul W. James was elevated to the 33rd and last
Degree of Masonry and served as the Financial Secretary of the Robert N.
Davis Class of 2012; and

  WHEREAS, In 2019, Paul W. James was elected to the position of Grand
Associate Patron of Eureka Grand Chapter,  Inc.  Prince  Hall  Order  of
Eastern  Star  State of New York, where he served for three years before
he was elected the Grand Worthy Patron in 2022, the  position  which  he
continues to serve today; and

  WHEREAS,  Grand  Worthy  Patron  Paul  W.  James holds membership in
Prince Hall Lodge No. 38, Widow's Son Chapter No. 1,  HRAM,  King  David
Consistory  No. 3 AASR, Medina Temple No. 19 AEANMS, and Deborah Chapter
No. 31; and

  WHEREAS, With him throughout have been  his  wife,  Wilhelmine,  and
their  two children, Aaron and Zora, all of whom feel privileged to be a
part of his life and rejoice in his many achievements; and

  WHEREAS, Rare indeed  is  the  impressive  dedication  shown  by  an
individual  for the benefits of others which Grand Worthy Patron Paul W.
James has displayed throughout his life; and

  WHEREAS, It  is  the  sense  of  this  Legislative  Body  that  when
individuals  of  such  noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, 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 to
honor Grand Worthy Patron  Paul  W.  James  upon  the  occasion  of  his
designation for special recognition by Eureka Grand Chapter, Prince Hall
Order Eastern Star, Inc., State of New York; and be it further

  RESOLVED,  That  a  copy  of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Grand Worthy Patron Paul W. James.