LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Reverend John Collins upon the occa-
sion of his designation for special honor by the New Rochelle Democratic
Committee on April 30, 2009

WHEREAS, The quality and character of life in this Nation, and the great
State of New York, is reflective of the purposeful lives and good works
of those patriotic and civic-minded community members who dedicate their
lives and careers to the service of others; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, it is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend
Reverend John Collins upon the occasion of his designation for special
honor by the New Rochelle Democratic Committee on April 30, 2009; and
WHEREAS, Born and raised on the south side of Chicago, Reverend John
Collins received both a bachelors degree and a Juris Doctor degree from
Northwestern University; and
WHEREAS, After practicing law for a short time, Reverend John Collins
moved to New York in 1958 to attend Union Theological Seminary, where he
organized the Student Interracial Ministry; and
WHEREAS, Currently the Minister for Church and World at Memorial
United Methodist Church in White Plains, New York, Reverend John Collins
was the pastor of churches on the Lower East Side, East Harlem and the
South Bronx; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Reverend John Collins was on the program staff
of the New York Conference of the United Methodist Church for nine years
and the staff of the Interfaith Center for Corporate Responsibility and
national Co-Director of Clergy and Laity Concerned, a peace and justice
organization, for seven years; and
WHEREAS, A true citizen of New Rochelle, New York, Reverend John
Collins believes in giving back to the community he loves so much; he
has served on the Boards of the New Rochelle Day Nursery and the
Rochelle Heights Association and is a member of the Ministerial Alli-
ance; and
WHEREAS, With Reverend John Collins throughout have been his wife,
Sheila, and their two daughters, Jennifer and Megan, and their spouses,
as well as their five grandchildren, all of whom feel privileged to be a
part of his life and rejoice in his many achievements; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Reverend John Collins upon the occasion of his designation for
special honor by the New Rochelle Democratic Committee on April 30,
2009, and wish him continued success in all of his future endeavors; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Reverend John Collins.