Senate Resolution No. 1291

BY: Senator BRESLIN

CONGRATULATING Reverend Robert W. Dixon, Sr. upon
the occasion of celebrating his 100th Birthday

WHEREAS, Senior citizens bring a wealth of experience and knowledge
to the increasingly active roles they play in today's society; their
past contributions and future participation are a vital part of, and
valuable asset to, the fabric of community life and activity; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to commemorate
and recognize certain milestones celebrated by citizens of this great
Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
congratulate Reverend Robert W. Dixon, Sr. upon the occasion of
celebrating his 100th Birthday on Friday, September 10, 2021; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Robert Walter Dixon, Sr. has served in the
pastorate for over 55 years; his first pastorate was at Central Baptist
Church in Salt Point, New York, for 19 years; and

WHEREAS, In June of 1977, he became Pastor of Mount Calvary Baptist
Church in Albany, New York, and served for 36 years, retiring September
11, 2013; and

WHEREAS, Recently, the title of Pastor Emeritus was bestowed upon
him by the Mount Calvary Church Family who has truly been blessed by
this man of God who has served longer than any pastor in the history of
the church; and

WHEREAS, An experienced expositor and apologist of the Gospel,
Reverend Robert W. Dixon, Sr. is known for the succinctness of his
sermons that leave an enduring impact on one's conscience and heart; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Robert W. Dixon, Sr. has been an involved
community activist; while in Salt Point, New York, he was an independent
candidate for the office of Mayor of Poughkeepsie, Vice President of the
Poughkeepsie Middle School Board and Vice Chair of the Dutchess County
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Committee; and

WHEREAS, Upon relocating to Albany, he became an involved, visible
and outspoken lifetime member of the NAACP and was recognized for his
leadership qualities by the Albany Branch; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Robert W. Dixon, Sr. has received numerous awards
from the community for his untiring work in the Capital District; a
leader of leaders, he garners the respect across all sectors of the
community; he was extremely instrumental in the implementation of the
Community Police Relations Board, serving as its Chairman from 1984 t0
1998; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Robert W. Dixon, Sr. is a member of the Capital
Area Council of Churches, and served as Chairman of the Albany Dr.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Commission and former member of the New
York State Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, Reverend Robert W. Dixon, Sr. was instrumental
in the erection of the memorial to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in
Lincoln Park, and is the former Chairman of the African American Clergy
United for Empowerment Organization; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Robert W. Dixon, Sr. served as a member of the
Advisory Committee on Communities and the Law, the Salvation Army Board
of Directors of Albany, and other boards and committees in the City of
Albany; and

WHEREAS, He was employed at IBM in Poughkeepsie, New York, for 28
years and retired as Manager of Production Control; he also served in
the Armed Services, stationed at West Point for nearly five years; and

WHEREAS, Moreover, Reverend Robert W. Dixon, Sr. has been a member
of the Central Hudson Baptist Association for over 50 years, serving as
Treasurer and later as the Moderator; in recognition of his faithfulness
to the association, the Robert W. Dixon Retreat Fund was established in
his honor; and

WHEREAS, From 1998 to 2005, he served as President of the Empire
Baptist Convention, leading an organization of over 500 churches; during
his tenure as President, the organization saw a dramatic increase in
involvement in civic activities; he provided a platform for future state
leaders to share their views with over 5,000 constituents, demonstrating
that there is a need for church and state to work together to address
the needs and concerns of all residents of New York; and

WHEREAS, In February of 2015, Convention President, Reverend Ronald
Grant, appointed him President Emeritus of the convention; and

WHEREAS, Since his retirement, Reverend Robert W. Dixon, Sr. has
truly enjoyed life to the fullest; he is an independent, stick to his
word and mean it person; many pastors have asked him to come out of
retirement and preach for them "just one more time" and his answer
remains the same, "no I'm retired"; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Robert W. Dixon, Sr. has been married to Georgia
Bryant Dixon for 47 years and together they are the proud parents of
seven children and the loving grandparents of nine grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, With his zest for life, this exceptional centenarian has
inspired and enhanced the lives of his family and friends; he has truly
enriched those around him through his joyous and sincere love for others
and through the quiescent charm and wisdom which comes only from a
fullness of years; and

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to publicly
recognize those who have reached such a remarkable age and who have
witnessed and celebrated the innovations, cultural developments and
awesome achievements of this country during the last century, while
themselves contributing to the growth and excellence of this great
Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Reverend Robert W. Dixon, Sr. upon the occasion of
celebrating his 100th Birthday; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Reverend Robert W. Dixon, Sr.