09 LC 21
0307
House
Resolution 319
By:
Representatives Abdul-Salaam of the
74th,
Brooks of the
63rd,
Heckstall of the
62nd,
Jordan of the
77th,
Frazier of the
123rd,
and others
A
RESOLUTION
Recognizing
and commending the Most Worshipful Smooth Ashlar Grand Lodge Free Accepted
Ancient Yorkrite Masons, Prince Hall Origin National Compact, Jurisdiction of
Georgia, and its affiliate, Smooth Ashlar Grand Chapter Order of Eastern Star,
and inviting their membership to appear before the House of Representatives; and
for other purposes.
WHEREAS,
the Most Worshipful Smooth Ashlar Grand Lodge Free Accepted Ancient Yorkrite
Masons, Prince Hall Origin National Compact, Jurisdiction of Georgia, and its
affiliate, Smooth Ashlar Grand Chapter Order of Eastern Star, were founded
September 27, 1865, and is one of the oldest formally organized African American
charitable organizations in Georgia and will be celebrating their 144th Grand
Lodge Session this year in Augusta; and
WHEREAS,
the Master Masons and Order of Eastern Star are a Masonic fraternity of men and
women dedicated to charity, truth, and loving kindness; they teach lessons of
fidelity, loyalty, and faith; spread cements of brotherly and sisterly love
throughout the material of realm; and work diligently towards gaining a greater
understanding of God's Holy Bible; and
WHEREAS,
a Master Builder is one who is qualified by intellect and training in skills and
ability to do constructive architectural work of symmetrical and perfect order
in the highest spiritual sense, the term applied to the great architecture of
the universe; Masons are required to prepare materials for the super structure
of moral and spiritual characteristics to which they labor and are devoted to
endeavors which will pass the test of the Great Master Builder of Heaven;
and
WHEREAS,
local Smooth Ashlar Grand Lodge and Order of Eastern Star Chapters select their
own charities and places of service in their own communities; we are indeed
honored to have them provide invaluable service to the State of Georgia through
their charitable work, which includes support of breast cancer survivors through
the American Cancer Society's "Sisters by Choice" program; support for the
Greenbriar Children's Orphanage in Savannah and the Annual Heart Walk sponsored
by the American Heart Association; purchase of shoes for needy children at
Avondale High School; provide volunteers for the annual Hosea Williams Feed the
Hungry Thanksgiving and Christmas Dinner; collect and donate coats and warm
clothing for the NAACP; support several convalescent homes and rehabilitation
facilities throughout the state; provide volunteers at the Buckhead Nursing Home
and the Parkview Nursing Home; make cash donations to support Morris Brown
College; provide home cooked full-course meals every month at the Battered
Women's Homeless Women Shelter in Atlanta; sponsor the annual Marines
Toys-for-Tots; provide graduation scholarships to students throughout the state;
provide sustained support to widows; and support countless youth programs,
mentorship programs, senior citizen programs, and other civic projects
throughout the State of Georgia; and
WHEREAS,
the Honorable Clarence Hayes, Jr., 33rd Degree Grand Master, provides capable
and honorable leadership, wisdom, and inspiration to all the brothers of the
Most Worshipful Smooth Ashlar Grand Lodge Free Accepted Ancient Yorkrite Masons,
Prince Hall Origin, National Compact, Jurisdiction of Georgia; and
WHEREAS,
the Honorable Carolyn K. Trammell, Grand Worthy Matron, provides capable and
honorable leadership, wisdom, and inspiration to all the Sisters of the Smooth
Ashlar Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, Jurisdiction of the State of
Georgia.
NOW,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of
this body commend Honorable Clarence Hayes, Jr., 33rd Degree Grand Master, the
Honorable Carolyn K. Trammell, Grand Worthy Matron, and the state officers and
members of the Smooth Ashlar Grand Lodge for their numerous outstanding
contributions to our community, to the state of Georgia, and the United States
of America.
BE
IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the officers and members of the Smooth Ashlar Grand
Lodge and the Smooth Ashlar Grand Chapter Order of Eastern Star are invited to
appear before the House of Representatives at a date and time to be fixed by the
Speaker of the House for the purpose of being recognized by the House and
receiving an appropriate copy of this resolution.