LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Reverend Dr. Horace DeVore
Chapman, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community

WHEREAS, It is with great sorrow and deep regret that this Legislative
Body records the passing of Reverend Dr. Horace DeVore Chapman of Brook-
lyn, New York, who died on Tuesday, December 18, 2012, at the age of 62,
noting the significance of his purposeful life and accomplishments; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Chapman distinguished himself in his profession and
by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of
his community; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Chapman's commitment to excellence, and his spirit
of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including char-
itable and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, Born in Greenville, South Carolina, Horace DeVore Chapman was
educated in the public schools of South Carolina and Brooklyn, New York;
he continued his studies at the Shaw University School of Theology in
Raleigh, North Carolina, as well as Fordham University and City College
matriculating in psychology, theology and bible history; and
WHEREAS, After graduating from college, Horace DeVore Chapman held his
christian education in high regard because it was his calling to minis-
ter and serve; he was a member of the Board of Managers of the Brooklyn
Council of Churches, a member of the East Brooklyn Churches, a member of
the Pastoral Care Staff of Saint Mary's Hospital in Brooklyn, and vice-
chairman of the Trustee Board of the Eastern Baptist Association; and
WHEREAS, In 1967, Reverend Chapman received his ministerial license
and was ordained in 1968 by Reverend W.J. Hall, Bethel Baptist Church,
Brooklyn, New York; he served as Assistant Pastor of the Union Baptist
Church in Durham, North Carolina under the pastorate of Reverend Grady
Davis; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Chapman also served as the pastor of the Second
Baptist Church in Middletown, New York; in November 1976, he accepted
the call as pastor of the Greater Bright Light Missionary Baptist Church
serving there for 34 years; in 2005, he was called to become the 4th
pastor of Bethel Baptist Church in Brooklyn; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of
compassion, and comforted by a loving family, Reverend Chapman leaves
behind a legacy which will long endure the passage of time and will
remain as a comforting memory to all he served and befriended; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Reverend Dr. Horace DeVore Chapman, distinguished
citizen and devoted member of his community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Reverend Dr. Horace DeVore Chapman.