LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 100th Anniversary of St. John's
Church of Lyons Falls, New York, celebrated on June 7, 2009

WHEREAS, Religious institutions, and the many spiritual, social and
educational benefits they confer, play a vital role in the development
of the moral fabric of a responsible citizenry; and
WHEREAS, It is the tradition of this State and this Nation to pay
tribute to those institutions and individuals who have contributed to
the ethical and spiritual values of their communities; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body takes pleasure in commemorating the
100th Anniversary of St. John's Church of Lyons Falls, New York, cele-
brated at a Solemn Mass of Thanksgiving on Sunday, June 7, 2009; and
WHEREAS, The Mass was celebrated by the Reverend Monsignor Robert H.
Aucoin, representing the Diocese of Ogdensburg, Reverend Monsignor Paul
Whitmore, Immediate Past Pastor, and Reverend Stephen H. Gratto, Pastor;
and
WHEREAS, Following the Mass, a reception catered by Dale Dorrity was
held in the church hall with members of the Altar and Rosary Society
serving; in addition, a special unveiling was held of an original pen
and ink line drawing of the church created by Claudia Loomis Chandler;
the elegant framed drawing will be hung in St. John's for all to view;
and
WHEREAS, St. John's Church was founded in the early 1900s under the
leadership of Father John Dean, Pastor of St. Martin's, Port Leyden, who
was instrumental in developing the plans for a much needed church in
Lyons Falls, New York; and
WHEREAS, Located on McAlpine Street, the cornerstone of St. John's
Church was laid in September 1909, with Right Reverend Henry Gabrial
presiding; the church was dedicated in 1910; and
WHEREAS, Under the faithful leadership of Reverend Stephen H. Gratto,
St. John's Church stands on the threshold of tomorrow, prepared to meet
the challenges of the coming decades while retaining that spiritual
resolve which characterizes its past; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to take note of
enduring religious institutions and to bring such institutions to the
attention of the people of this Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of St. John's Church of Lyons Falls,
New York, observed on June 7, 2009, fully confident that this commem-
oration reflected the belief in those values which enhance the dignity
and purpose of life; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Reverend Stephen H. Gratto, Pastor, St. John's Church, Lyons
Falls, New York.