SR305: SR305 Prince Hall Freemasonry; recognize

This resolution does not change any law. It is a ceremonial statement from the Georgia Senate honoring Prince Hall Freemasonry, a Masonic tradition founded in 1784, and specifically the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Georgia, which was formed in Savannah in 1870. The resolution recounts the Grand Lodge's history, its more than 5,000 members and 181 lodges statewide, over $100,000 in scholarships awarded in the past five years, and more than 20,000 hours of community service logged in 2024. It also recognizes affiliated groups like the Order of the Eastern Star and the Knights of Pythagoras youth program. The Senate resolves to commend the organization and directs the Secretary of the Senate to provide a copy of the resolution to the Grand Lodge for its records.

• Formally states the Georgia Senate's recognition and commendation of Prince Hall Freemasonry and the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Georgia.
• Extends the Senate's best wishes for the organization's continued growth and success.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare and distribute a copy of the resolution to the Grand Lodge.
• Creates no new statutes, funding, penalties, or legal requirements, since it is a commendatory resolution rather than a law.

The resolution directly names the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Georgia, its 181 constituent lodges and over 5,000 members, the affiliated Order of the Eastern Star, and the Knights of Pythagoras youth organization. It creates no obligations for the general public.

Because this is a ceremonial resolution rather than a law, it does not change anyone's rights, duties, or funding. Its practical effect is limited to an official Senate acknowledgment and a commemorative copy given to the Grand Lodge.

• The resolution's preamble (whereas clauses) recounts the founding of Prince Hall Freemasonry in 1784 and the Georgia Grand Lodge's formation in Savannah in 1870.
• It cites specific figures: over $100,000 in scholarships awarded over five years and more than 20,000 hours of community service in 2024.
• The first resolving clause has the Senate recognize and commend the organization and wish it continued success.
• The final resolving clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to make a copy available for distribution to the Grand Lodge.

1. 2025-02-28Senate Read and Adopted (Senate)
2. 2025-02-27Senate Hopper (Senate)

• Brian Strickland (R, SD-042)Primary sponsor
• Derek Mallow (D, SD-002)
• Ricky Williams (R, SD-025)
• Bo Hatchett (R, SD-050)

• Prince Hall Freemasonry
• Senate resolution
• community service recognition
• Georgia Masonic organizations