Senate Resolution No. 1622
BY: Senator PARKER
COMMENDING Oriental Royal Court No. 5, Order of
Cyrene upon the occasion of hosting its Annual
Prayer Breakfast on Sunday, March 8, 2026
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
honor organizations of distinguished purpose whose steadfast dedication
to faith, service, and fellowship strengthens the moral and civic fiber
of the communities they serve; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Oriental Royal Court No. 5, Order of Cyrene, upon the occasion
of hosting its Annual Prayer Breakfast on Sunday, March 8, 2026, a
celebration of devotion, spiritual reflection, and fraternal unity; and
WHEREAS, The Order of Cyrene, composed of the wives, widows,
mothers, sisters, and daughters of the Temp Sir (Knights Templar),
traces its origins to 1884 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, founded by
John Elzy, Sr., John Elzy, Jr., and Isaac L.W. Holland as the Order of
Cyrene, Auxiliary to the Knights Templar, with a mission to uphold
faith, service, and charity; and
WHEREAS, In New York, the Helping Hand Auxiliary, formed in 1881 by
the wives, widows, mothers, and daughters of Ivanhoe Commandery No. 5,
became the foundation for the first Cyrene Court in the State, later
recognized in 1918 by the Supreme Grand Court of America and formally
established as the Most Royal Prince Hall Grand Court, Order of Cyrene
of New York, under the leadership of Most Royal Grand Commandress
Elizabeth Banks and Most Royal Grand Chief Engineer John W. Elezy; and
WHEREAS, In 1948, the Prince Hall Grand Commandery, Knights Templar
of New York, officially adopted the Most Royal Prince Hall Grand Court
Order of Cyrene as its Auxiliary, cementing a legacy of service,
spiritual guidance, and fraternal fellowship that continues to this day;
and
WHEREAS, Oriental Royal Court No. 5 has carried forward this sacred
legacy, providing spiritual enrichment, charitable support, and
mentorship to its members and the wider community, fostering unity,
compassion, and civic engagement; and
WHEREAS, Under the exemplary leadership of Royal Commandress Tobi
King Cooper and Royal Chief Engineer Malcolm Douglas, the Court
continues to exemplify the principles of faith, charity, and service for
which the Order was founded, inspiring current and future generations;
and
WHEREAS, The Annual Prayer Breakfast serves as a cherished occasion
for members and guests to come together in reflection, thanksgiving, and
celebration of the Court's enduring commitment to spiritual and
community life; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor and commend Oriental Royal Court No. 5, Order of Cyrene, for its
unwavering dedication to faith, fraternal fellowship, and community
service, and for hosting its Annual Prayer Breakfast on March 8, 2026;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Royal Commandress Tobi King Cooper, Royal Chief Engineer
Malcolm Douglas, and the Officers and Members of Oriental Royal Court
No. 5, as a lasting testament to their leadership, devotion, and
enduring contributions to the Order and the community.
