Bill Text: NY J01502 | 2023-2024 | General Assembly | Introduced
Bill Title: Commemorating the 200th Anniversary of Utica Commandery No. 3, Knights Templar of the State of New York
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2024-01-09 - ADOPTED [J01502 Detail]
Download: New_York-2023-J01502-Introduced.html
Senate Resolution No. 1502 BY: Senator GRIFFO COMMEMORATING the 200th Anniversary of Utica Commandery No. 3, Knights Templar of the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to those 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 Commandery No. 3, Knights Templar of the State of New York; and WHEREAS, In 1118, nine Crusader knights took pious vows to protect pilgrims to the Holy Land, forming the Poor Fellow-Soldiers of Christ and of the Temple of Solomon; and WHEREAS, A movement began in 1737, among the Freemasons to emulate these knights, and in 1814, what is now known as the Grand Commandery was formed; and WHEREAS, In 1816, the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the USA was established with DeWitt Clinton elected as its first Grand Master; and WHEREAS, In 1823, Grand Master Clinton signed a warrant constituting what is now known as Utica Commandery No. 3, to which the City of Utica continued to provide a home during the Masonically dark time that began only three years later; and WHEREAS, Utica Commandery hosted the Annual Conclave of its Grand Commandery in 1896, with a parade of thousands of Knights Templar, and welcoming the Grand Master of Knights Templar, Prince Hall Affiliated, in 2022; and WHEREAS, The City of Utica is known throughout the world as welcoming and assisting immigrants and refugees from tyrants, as the crusader Knights Templar welcomed and protected pilgrims to the Holy Land; and WHEREAS, Furthermore, for some time, Utica was the westernmost recognized Commandery in New York, seeding Commanderies further west and spreading Masonic Templary across the state; and WHEREAS, Today, with a steadfast and unwavering commitment to its community, Utica Commandery No. 3 continues to sponsor clergy pilgrimages to the Holy Land; this vital organization also supports the Knights Templar Eye Foundation to improve vision through research, education, and care; and WHEREAS, The success of Utica Commandery No. 3 is in direct correlation to the efforts of its dedicated members, whose involvement is, and always has been, characterized by an impressive commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in all endeavors on behalf of the organization and the community it serves; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proudly moved to honor and commend the members of Utica Commandery No. 3, Knights Templar of the State of New York, 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 Commandery No. 3, Knights Templar of the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Utica Commandery No. 3, Knights Templar of the State of New York.