LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Reverend Hugh Farrish upon the occa-
sion of his designation for special honor by the New Rochelle Council of
Community Services on June 4, 2009

WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to take note of and
publicly acknowledge individuals of remarkable integrity and character
who have inspired and brought pride to our majestic Empire State with
their strong contributions to the community and model citizenship; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Reverend Hugh Farrish upon the occasion of his designation for special
honor by the New Rochelle Council of Community Services at its Annual
Luncheon on June 4, 2009, at The Davenport Club in New Rochelle, New
York; and
WHEREAS, The Pastor of Bowen Memorial Baptist Church in Mount Vernon,
New York, Reverend Hugh Farrish was born in Roxboro, North Carolina and
relocated to New York City after graduating from high school; and
WHEREAS, Prior to a call and vocation in the ordained ministry, Rever-
end Hugh Farrish served in many capacities at Zion Evangelical Baptist
Church in New Rochelle, New York; and
WHEREAS, Under the leadership of the late Reverend Roland Taylor for
29 years, Reverend Hugh Farrish served as Deacon, Trustee, Sunday school
teacher, President of the Mass Choir and Chairperson for Men's Outreach
Ministry; and
WHEREAS, After receiving his license to preach the Word of God in
1987, Reverend Hugh Farrish ministered to souls from New York to North
Carolina, conducting revivals, speaking at annual church services and
performing weddings and funerals; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Hugh Farrish moved his membership to First Baptist
Church in Mamaroneck, New York, in 1990; under the leadership of Rever-
end Dr. James E. Taylor, he served as Associate Pastor, Director of
Christian Education and Bible Study and Sunday School teacher; and
WHEREAS, In 1991, Reverend Hugh Farrish was named Pastor of Bowen
Memorial Baptist Church in Mount Vernon, New York, which has grown by
leaps and bounds under his leadership; in 1995, it was able to purchase
a new sanctuary at 14 North Columbus Avenue and over 600 parishioners
have joined the congregation since that time; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Reverend Hugh Farrish has spearheaded the
efforts of the Garden Ministry, which has been a benefit to the members
of the congregation, as well as residents of Westchester County and the
New York boroughs by providing food for over 2,000 families annually;
and
WHEREAS, Reverend Hugh Farrish has been the recipient of a multitude
of awards, honors and certificates of recognition, acknowledging his
efforts of in-depth magnitude, including the 2008 Distinguished Public
Health Award from the Westchester County Board of Health, the 2007 Beau-
tification of the Community Award and a Certificate of Appreciation from
the Council of Community Services in 2008; and
WHEREAS, With Reverend Hugh Farrish throughout have been his wife,
Vera; three children, Shaun, Mia and Tyqon; daughter-in-law, Angela;
son-in-law, Stephen; and four grandchildren, Sean, Jeniya, Tamia and
Tiffany, 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; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is pleased to have this opportunity to
express its highest admiration for Reverend Hugh Farrish and to wish him
continued success in all of his/her future endeavors; now, therefore, be
it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Reverend Hugh Farrish upon the occasion of his designation for
special honor by the New Rochelle Council of Community Services on June
4, 2009; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Reverend Hugh Farrish.