LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 125th Anniversary of the Zion
Episcopal Church in Colton, New York

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
125th Anniversary of the Zion Episcopal Church in Colton, New York; and
WHEREAS, The first Episcopal Church service in Colton, New York, was
held on August 21, 1874; the first organized congregation was formed
three years later and proved to be a thriving Christian group that was
strengthened by the interest and support of Elizabeth Clarkson of Pots-
dam; and
WHEREAS, After the death of Elizabeth Clarkson in 1883, her children,
Thomas, Lavinia and Elizabeth, determined that they would give a house
of worship in loving memory of their mother; and
WHEREAS, On July 16, 1884, The Right Reverend William Crosswell Doane,
then Bishop of the Diocese of Albany, came to Colton, New York, and
presided at the Rites and Ceremonies of Consecration of the Zion Episco-
pal Church; and
WHEREAS, A centerpiece of downtown Colton, New York, the Zion Episco-
pal Church is an elegant and enduring sandstone structure that is listed
on both the New York State and National Registry of Historic Places; and
WHEREAS, To help mark its 125th Birthday, the Zion Episcopal Church in
Colton, New York, will hold an ice cream social on July 31, 2009,
featuring music from Jack Kelley's Little Big Band; and
WHEREAS, In addition, the Zion Episcopal Church will hold a special
service on August 2, 2009, celebrated by The Right Reverend William H.
Love, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Albany; and
WHEREAS, At this special service, a new anthem for the Zion Episcopal
Church, written by Evelyn Riehl, a retired music teacher and one of the
longest serving members of the parish, will be performed; and
WHEREAS, The Zion Episcopal Church in Colton, New York 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 125th Anniversary of the Zion Episcopal Church in
Colton, New York, fully confident that this commemoration reflects 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 the Zion Episcopal Church in Colton, New York.