Senate Concurrent Resolution 567

(As Adopted by Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE GRAND LODGE OF MISSISSIPPI OF FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS UPON THE OCCASION OF THEIR UPCOMING BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.

WHEREAS, the Grand Lodge of Mississippi of Free and Accepted Masons is an organization dedicated to the ancient landmarks of the Order of Freemasonry; and

WHEREAS, on June 24, 2017, all Masons wheresoever dispersed celebrated 300 years of Freemasonry; and

WHEREAS, on July 27, 1818, the Grand Lodge of Mississippi of Free and Accepted Masons was officially established in Natchez, Mississippi, by delegates from territorial lodges warranted almost 15 years prior to the recognition of the newly established State of Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, the Grand Lodge of Mississippi prior to 1871 was an unincorporated, voluntary association of persons, but in said year and about the 10th day of April, 1871, the Grand Lodge procured a charter in perpetual succession by an act of the Mississippi Legislature, which through its principal officers governs and regulates the Masonic Fraternity within the State of Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, Masons are taught that all men are equal and individual freedom of thought and action, as well as morality and ethics, are the concepts and ideals upon which the Order is founded; and

WHEREAS, by teaching the great principles of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth and through its fellowship, its compassion and its concern, Freemasonry enables men to serve God, family, country, neighbors and self; and

WHEREAS, the Grand Lodge of Mississippi today consists of more than 16,000 Master Masons and 239 Lodges located in nearly every community across the state, as well as other appendant Masonic bodies such as the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry and the York Rite, and other affiliated bodies such as Shriners International, National Sojourners, Order of the Eastern Star, DeMolay International, and International Order of the Rainbow; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize and commend the success, accomplishments and contributions of this fine institution in Mississippi for its civic contributions and service, as well as the long legacy of civic contributions and service of its members:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby recognize the Grand Lodge of Mississippi F&AM upon the occasion of their upcoming Bicentennial Celebration, to be held in Natchez, Mississippi, on July 27, 2018.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to representatives of the Grand Lodge of Mississippi F&AM and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.