commending the Eureka Grand Chapter, P.H.O.E.S, and the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of New York, upon the occasion of hosting the Red and White Luncheon

Senate Resolution No. 1971

BY: Senator PARKER

        COMMENDING  the  Eureka  Grand Chapter, P.H.O.E.S,
        and  the  Grand  Royal  Arch  Chapter  of  the  Most
        Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of New York, upon
        the occasion of hosting the Red and White Luncheon

  WHEREAS,  It  is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay  tribute  to  those  organizations  of  high  purpose   and   worthy
accomplishment whose enduring commitment to fellowship, service, and the
traditions  of  the Prince Hall fraternal family have enriched the civic
and cultural life 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
commend the Eureka Grand Chapter, Prince Hall Order of Eastern Star, and
the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of the Most Worshipful  Prince  Hall  Grand
Lodge  of  New  York,  upon  the  occasion  of hosting the Red and White
Luncheon honoring distinguished past  officers,  on  Sunday,  April  26,
2026; and

  WHEREAS,  The Red and White Luncheon is a cherished tradition within
the  Prince  Hall  York  Rite  family,  convening  companions,  sisters,
officers, and guests in a spirit of fellowship, gratitude, and reverence
for  those  whose  years  of  dedicated  service have strengthened these
bodies and the communities they serve; the  colors  of  red  and  white,
associated  with the Royal Arch degree and its symbols of dedication and
purity, adorn this occasion as a  fitting  tribute  to  those  who  have
labored faithfully in the work of the Chapter; and

  WHEREAS,  The  luncheon honors Most Excellent Past Grand High Priest
James A. Lathan, whose distinguished leadership of the Grand Royal  Arch
Chapter  has  set  a  standard  of  excellence, integrity, and fraternal
devotion that continues to inspire the  companions  who  follow  in  his
steps; and

  WHEREAS,  The luncheon likewise honors Past Grand High Priest Walter
E.  Jackson, who has served the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand  Lodge
of  New  York with uncommon dedication across many years and many roles,
including his current service as Grand Librarian, tirelessly  preserving
the  history  and  heritage  of  Prince  Hall  Masonry  in  New York for
generations to come; and

  WHEREAS, The luncheon honors Past Most Ancient Grand  Matron  Brenda
J.    Simons,  whose leadership of the Eureka Grand Chapter, Prince Hall
Order of Eastern Star, exemplified the  highest  ideals  of  sisterhood,
service,  and  devotion to the principles of the Order, and whose legacy
of gracious and purposeful leadership continues to  be  felt  throughout
the Eastern Star family of New York; and

  WHEREAS,  The luncheon honors Past Most Ancient Grand Matron Barbara
Outlaw Barmore, who led the Eureka Grand Chapter  with  vision,  warmth,
and  an  abiding commitment to the women and families of the Prince Hall
fraternal community, leaving an indelible mark upon the Order that  time
will not diminish; and


  WHEREAS, The luncheon further honors Past Most Ancient Matron Amanda
Hargrove,  whose faithful and distinguished service at the chapter level
reflects the same spirit of sisterhood and  sacrifice  that  has  always
animated the Prince Hall Order of Eastern Star at its finest; and

  WHEREAS,  This  Legislative  Body  is proudly moved to honor each of
these distinguished leaders, whose combined  years  of  service  to  the
Prince  Hall  fraternal  family  represent a living testament to what is
possible when men and  women  of  principle  devote  themselves  to  the
building  of  stronger,  more  just,  and  more caring communities; now,
therefore, be it

  RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its  deliberations  to
commend the Eureka Grand Chapter, Prince Hall Order of Eastern Star, and
the  Grand  Royal  Arch Chapter of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand
Lodge of New York, upon the  occasion  of  hosting  the  Red  and  White
Luncheon on Sunday, April 26, 2026; and be it further

  RESOLVED,  That  copies  of  this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Most Excellent Past Grand High Priest  James  A.  Lathan,
Past Grand High Priest Walter E. Jackson, Past Most Ancient Grand Matron
Brenda J. Simons, Past Most Ancient Grand Matron Barbara Outlaw Barmore,
Past  Most  Ancient Matron Amanda Hargrove, and the officers and members
of the Eureka Grand Chapter, Prince Hall Order of Eastern Star, and  the
Grand  Royal Arch Chapter of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge
of New York, Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New York.