LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Bishop Leslie and Etta Barnes upon the
occasion of their 45th Pastoral Anniversary

WHEREAS, The character and richness of religious 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, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to bring full recog-
nition and just tribute to those individuals who distinguish themselves
and the ministry through their unremitting commitment and preeminence of
service; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Bishop
Leslie and Etta Barnes upon the occasion of their 45th Pastoral Anniver-
sary; and
WHEREAS, Bishop Leslie J. Barnes was born in Westmoreland, Jamaica,
West Indies, and had his early education at the Culloden and Green
Island Elementary schools; as a child, Bishop Barnes was always exposed
to church, but he was not saved until 1954, when at a young age he
answered the Lord's call on his life; he served faithfully in the local
Apostolic Church in Culloden and was very active in the Sunday School
and Brotherhood departments; and
WHEREAS, In 1961 Bishop Barnes, like many others at the time, migrated
to the United Kingdom to take advantage of the opportunities there; he
went to Wellington, England, and played a significant role in organizing
a local Apostolic Church for the saints in the area; he was first
appointed a Deacon, then Minister, and shortly after the church's Pastor
died, Bishop Barnes was appointed Pastor of the church and was also
ordained an Elder; and
WHEREAS, The church continued to grow under Bishop Barnes's leader-
ship, but another call was placed on him when Bishop Dunn asked him to
go to New York City to establish a church; and
WHEREAS, On October 10, 1974, Bishop Barnes arrived in New York City
having left his wife and young family behind so he could prepare the way
for their arrival; on his arrival, he received help and then began the
task of organizing a church with the saints and on November 29, 1974,
the first worship service was held at 722 Nostrand Avenue, in Brooklyn;
and
WHEREAS, Over the years, as the Church grew, so did Bishop Barnes; he
was elevated from Elder to Overseer and in 1992 he was ordained a Bishop
and became a member of the Board of Bishops of the United Churches of
Jesus Christ (Apostolic), Inc.; and
WHEREAS, Bishop Barnes has been blessed by the presence of his dear
wife, Mother Etta Barnes; she is a special woman of God with a quiet and
unselfish approach to life and the people of God; and
WHEREAS, Bishop Leslie and Etta Barnes are the proud parents of three
children, Marveen, Sharon and Levern who have been a key part of the
church over the years; another integral part of the Barnes household is
Mother Shaw, Bishop Barnes' mother; her dedication to prayer is well
known; and
WHEREAS, Bishop Leslie and Etta Barnes have brought to their ministry
an overwhelming spirit of charity and compassion, acting from vision and
enlightenment in conducting administrative and spiritual duties, while
always displaying the highest standards of personal and professional
integrity and dedication; and
WHEREAS, These distinguished people of God have always given enlight-
enment, guidance and wisdom to the many entrusted to their care and have

administered abundantly and unstintingly to the spiritual and corporal
needs of all; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when people of
such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention it is
appropriate to publicly and jubilantly proclaim and commend that indi-
vidual for the edification of others; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Bishop Leslie and Etta Barnes upon the occasion of their 45th
Pastoral Anniversary, noting their unremitting and compassionate faith
and their exemplary service to God, man, and their community, and
extending to them the heartfelt best wishes of this Legislative Body for
a future of purposeful success and well-being; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Bishop Leslie and Etta Barnes.