LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Pastor Emeritus Richard A. Mills
upon the occasion of celebrating the 50th Anniversary of his ordination

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, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratu-
late Pastor Emeritus Richard A. Mills upon the occasion of celebrating
the 50th Anniversary of his ordination; and
WHEREAS, On Sunday, September 27, 2009, the congregation of the Corn-
wall Presbyterian Church in Cornwall-on-Hudson, New York, celebrated the
50th Anniversary of the ordination of their Pastor Emeritus Richard
Mills; he shared his memories of that ceremony 50 years ago during his
sermon that morning to a congregation made up of old and new friends,
parishioners, and family members; and
WHEREAS, Pastor Mills, who is originally from Ashtabula, Ohio, after
graduating from Princeton Theological Seminary, was first called to the
ministry by the First Presbyterian Church of Corinth, New York, where he
served for the first nine years of his pastorate; in 1969, he was
installed as the twelfth pastor of Cornwall Presbyterian Church; and
WHEREAS, Pastor Mills served for 31 years until his retirement on
September 17, 2000; because of the congregation's fondness for him and
the appreciation for all that he had done for the church, on October 30,
2005, he was officially recognized as the Pastor Emeritus of the church,
an honor and distinction bestowed by the Presbytery of Hudson River
acting for the Presbyterian Church U.S.A.; and
WHEREAS, During his 31 years at Cornwall Presbyterian, Pastor Mills
was active in the regional and national Presbyterian Church, participat-
ing on various committees and serving in 1989-1990 as the Moderator of
the Presbytery of Hudson River; he not only acted as the spiritual lead-
er of the church but was also a leader in the community; and
WHEREAS, Under his leadership, Pastor Mills began the Appletime Fair,
which is the church's major fund-raising activity, the Village Nursery
School, the community baccalaureate service to recognize students' grad-
uation from high school, the community Thanksgiving service, and the
community outdoor sunrise Easter service; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Pastor Mills was a leader and active with the
Cornwall Lions Club, the Storm King Fire Engine Company No. 2, and the
Cornwall, New Windsor, and Monroe Horse Thief Detecting Society; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when a person
of such noble aims and accomplishments is 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 Pastor Emeritus Richard A. Mills upon the occasion of celebrat-
ing the 50th Anniversary of his ordination, noting his unremitting and
compassionate faith and his exemplary service to God, man, and his
community, and extending to him the heartfelt best wishes of this Legis-
lative 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 Pastor Emeritus Richard A. Mills.