SR305: SR305 Prince Hall Freemasonry; recognize

25 LC 129 0163 Senate Resolution 305 By: Senators Strickland of the 42nd, Mallow of the 2nd, Williams of the 25th and Hatchett of the 50th A RESOLUTION Recognizing and commending Prince Hall Freemasonry and the Most Worshipful Prince1 Hall Grand Lodge of Georgia; and for other purposes.2 WHEREAS, Prince Hall Freemasonry, founded in 1784, in Boston, M assachusetts, has a3 long and distinguished history of promoting leadership, education, community service, and4 social justice, serving as a pillar of strength and upliftment within African American5 communities; and 6 WHEREAS, the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Georgia was formed on June7 24, 1870, in the City of Savannah, Georgia, under the leadership of Grand Master James R.8 Simms, along with three lodges, Eureka No. 1, Hilton No. 2, and Banneker No. 3; and9 WHEREAS, the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Georgia, together with its 18110 constituent lodges and over 5,000 members statewide, has awarded more than $100,000 in11 scholarships to deserving students over the past five years; and12 WHEREAS, in 2024, the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Georgia collectively13 dedicated over 20,000 hours to community service by collaborati ng with established14 S. R. 305 - 1 - 25 LC 129 0163 organizations and causes, feeding and clothing the less fortunate, and providing vital youth15 mentoring services; and16 WHEREAS, the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Georgia has upheld the17 Masonic principles of brotherly love, relief, and truth, contributing to the spiritual, moral, and18 civic development of its members and the greater community; and19 WHEREAS, for generations, Prince Hall Masons have demonstrated an unwavering20 commitment to philanthropy, youth mentorship, scholarship programs, and public service,21 including partnerships with local organizations to address issu es of health, education, and22 economic empowerment; and23 WHEREAS, the contributions of Prince Hall Masons to the social fabric of Georgia reflect24 the enduring legacy of Prince Hall himself, a visionary leader who sought equality, justice,25 and unity in the face of adversity; and26 WHEREAS, it is fitting to recognize and honor the invaluable impact of the Most Worshipful27 Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Georgia and its affiliated bodies, i ncluding the Order of the28 Eastern Star and Masonic Youth Organizations, in shaping a brighter future for all citizens;29 and30 WHEREAS, the Prince Hall Order of the Eastern Star, a distinguished and vital organization31 made up of our Sisters, has long provided a foundation of faith, service, and philanthropy,32 working to support charitable causes, promote education, and en rich the lives of families33 throughout our state; and34 S. R. 305 - 2 - 25 LC 129 0163 WHEREAS, the youth organization sponsored by the Georgia Prince Hall Masons, the35 Knights of Pythagoras, provides young men with invaluable leadership, community service,36 and character-building opportunities; and37 WHEREAS, the Knights of Pythagoras has enriched the lives of ma ny young men in38 Georgia, instilling in them the principles of integrity, honor, and community service.39 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body40 recognize and commend Prince Hall Freemasonry and the Most Wors hipful Prince Hall41 Grand Lodge of Georgia as well as extend best wishes for continued growth and success. 42 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed43 to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for di stribution to the Most44 Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Georgia.45 S. R. 305 - 3 -