LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 30th Anniversary of the Celes-
tial Community Choir

WHEREAS, The character and richness of spiritual and community life in
this noble Empire State is nourished and fulfilled through the faithful
concern and selfless devotion of those who would commit their energies
and purpose to the ministry of others; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 30th Anniversary of the Celestial Community Choir on Saturday,
November 21, 2009; and
WHEREAS, This year's anniversary theme is "By His Grace, Our Magnif-
icent Journey in Jubilation and Praise"; and
WHEREAS, Thirty years ago, seven friends and co-workers in Christ
bonded together to form the Concert Choir; their objective was to share
the love of Jesus through Christ-centered music and by spreading good-
will and good deeds in the community; and
WHEREAS, On July 8, 1979, Ivestia Blake, Dianne Lawrence, Bernadette
Mitchell, Carole Powell, Marion Sylvester, the late Ann Roberson and
Founder and Director H. Donovon Irons had no idea of the wonderful
blessings, relationships, opportunities and experiences that would
develop over the next three decades; and
WHEREAS, On October 7, 1979, the Concert Choir officially became the
Celestial Community Choir (CCC); it celebrated its first anniversary on
November 22, 1980, at Brown Memorial Baptist Church in Brooklyn, New
York; and
WHEREAS, With its friendly spirit and fresh sounds, CCC grew rapidly;
it soon became necessary to move from its original rehearsal space in
the home of Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Francis on Carroll Street in Brooklyn,
to its present home at the Antioch Church of Christ Disciples of Christ
on 979 Herkimer Street, in Brooklyn; and
WHEREAS, CCC has ministered in prisons, hospitals, and nursing homes
and in the early years of the choir's growth, events included winning
second place in the annual McDonald's Gospelfest local awards; the Choir
has supported fellow choirs, churches and community organizations
throughout the tri-state area; and
WHEREAS, Through its Edward Gene Oliver Memorial Scholarship Fund
(EGO), named after its deceased philanthropic member Edward Oliver, CCC
has sought out gifted, talented individuals from the community to
provide funds and materials for their personal pursuit of excellence in
their chosen fields; CCC is also proud of its recent contribution to
Oprah Winfrey's Angel Network; and
WHEREAS, With its enduring commitment to spiritual values, and its
partnership within the faith-based community, CCC enters the future with
the certain promise of continued success in its purposeful endeavors;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 30th Anniversary of the Celestial Community Choir; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Founder and Director H. Donovon Irons.