LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Faith
United Church of Christ of Amherst, 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
50th Anniversary of the Faith United Church of Christ of Amherst, New
York; and
WHEREAS, The members of the Faith United Church of Christ will honor
this most auspicious occasion in a yearlong celebration which began on
June 14, 2009, with a service and luncheon memorializing the congre-
gation's inaugural service; and
WHEREAS, Other celebratory events include a neighborhood block party
on July 12, 2009; a family and friends picnic on August 23, 2009; and
the 50th Anniversary Golden Gala weekend to be held June 4-6, 2010; and
WHEREAS, The Faith United Church of Christ was founded in 1960, organ-
ized under the Evangelical and Reformed Church; it later became part of
the United Church of Christ; and
WHEREAS, Before actual construction of the Church, Reverend Martin
Engelsdorfer visited families located in the Amherst area and found
there was a high level of interest for a community church to be located
at Hopkins and Maple Roads; and
WHEREAS, On May 27, 1959, a meeting of 12 people was held at the home
of Daniel Dudley, where it was determined that the first worship service
would take place on June 7, 1959, at the home of Harry McCulloch; while
the first Sunday school classes were conducted in the private residence
of Robert Hastings; and
WHEREAS, The following month, worship services were held in the base-
ment of the Church's future parsonage located at 1210 Maple Road; by the
end of the first year attendance had more than doubled and the congre-
gation numbered 32 adults and 30 children; and
WHEREAS, On Sunday, June 12, 1960, 80 members signed the official
charter that marked the beginning of Faith Church; Reverend Engelsdorfer
was installed as the Church's first Pastor; and
WHEREAS, In October 1960, the newly formed congregation moved ahead
with a three-step plan to build its first sanctuary building at 1300
Maple Road at Hopkins; today, it serves as a fellowship hall and
provides space for Sunday school classes as well as other events; and
WHEREAS, After the resignation of Reverend Engelsdorfer in 1967,
Reverend Kenneth Kolbe was called to the Faith United Church of Christ
in August 1968; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Kolbe, who still assists with services today, is
known for his innovative worship services, art exhibits and handcrafted
banners; and
WHEREAS, The communities around the Church went through a great tran-
sition during the 1970s and 1980s; Amherst's population and development
expanded at a rapid pace and Faith United Church of Christ successfully
moved forward with the times; and
WHEREAS, After a successful three-year capital campaign, the Faith
United Church of Christ dedicated its sanctuary on October 26, 1997;
once known as the Church without pews the new sanctuary seats 250 and
includes spaces for performances and concerts; and

WHEREAS, On June 15, 1997, the faithful members of the Faith United
Church of Christ said goodbye to Reverend Kolbe as he officially retired
after 29 years of service; and
WHEREAS, The Reverend Linda Heffley served as interim pastor until the
Reverend Randall Forester began his service in January 1999 and was
formally installed 10 months later; and
WHEREAS, When the Church celebrated its 40th Anniversary in 2000, it
dedicated a new playground and called it "Laura's Place" in memory of a
young girl who had passed away; and
WHEREAS, Today, Faith United Church of Christ is under the able lead-
ership of Reverend David Martin, who began his ministry in May 2006; and
WHEREAS, Faith United Church of Christ 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 50th Anniversary of Faith United Church of Christ of
Amherst, 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 Faith United Church of Christ, Amherst, New York.