LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Bishop Lionel Harvey upon the occasion
of his 10th Anniversary with the First Baptist Cathedral of Westbury, to
be celebrated on February 20, 2009

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 Lion-
el Harvey upon the occasion of his 10th Anniversary with the First
Baptist Cathedral of Westbury, to be celebrated on February 20, 2009;
and
WHEREAS, The oldest son of Deacon and Deaconess Calvin and Deloris
Harvey, Bishop Lionel Harvey was born in Brooklyn, New York and grew up
in Lakeview, Long Island, where his athletic ability and basketball
skills earned him the title of "All American" and led to a scholarship
at the University of Cincinnati; and
WHEREAS, After serving faithfully as an Associate Minister at the
Shiloh Baptist Church in Rockville Center, New York under Pastor Herman
Washington, Bishop Lionel Harvey was named Pastor of the First Baptist
Church of Westbury, now called First Baptist Cathedral of Westbury, in
1998; and
WHEREAS, Under the leadership of Bishop Lionel Harvey the Westbury New
Cassel Community has experienced revitalization and transformation in
several spiritual, social, academic and economic areas; and
WHEREAS, Specifically, First Baptist Cathedral of Westbury has experi-
enced incredible membership growth, both spiritually and numerically;
now offers two Sunday morning worship services; provides a full service
soup kitchen and pantry and a community vacation camp; and has a tutori-
al program, a prison ministry, a radio and television ministry, as well
as several other outreach ministries; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Bishop Lionel Harvey serves as President of the
Unified New Cassel Community Revitalization Corporation, a not-for-pro-
fit community development organization which has given residents in the
region a meaningful say in the revitalization of their community; and
WHEREAS, As the Presiding Prelate of the Sword of the Spirit Christian
Fellowship Inc., Bishop Lionel Harvey has galvanized churches worldwide
to pool their resources for making an even greater spiritual, economic,
educational and social impact in their communities; and
WHEREAS, The 2007 recipient of the New York State Dr. Martin Luther
King, Jr. Humanitarian Award, Bishop Lionel Harvey also sits on the
Board of Managers of the Eastern Baptist Association, New York Incorpo-
rated and serves on the National Board of Religious Affairs of the
NAACP; and
WHEREAS, Inducted into the Office of Bishop in 2006, Bishop Lionel
Harvey's Theological Education includes a Bachelor of Arts degree in
Religious Studies from the College at New Rochelle; a Master's of Divin-
ity degree from New York Theological Seminary; and a Doctorate of Divin-
ity degree from the Apex School of Theology in North Carolina; and
WHEREAS, With Bishop Lionel Harvey throughout have been his three
children, Lionel Matthew, Tatyana Victoria and Dominique Brianna, all of
whom feel privileged to be a part of his life and rejoice in his many
achievements; and

WHEREAS, Bishop Lionel Harvey has brought to his ministry an over-
whelming spirit of charity and compassion, acting from vision and
enlightenment in conducting his administrative and spiritual duties,
while always displaying the highest standards of personal and profes-
sional integrity and dedication; and
WHEREAS, This distinguished man of God has always given enlightenment,
guidance and wisdom to the many entrusted to his care and has adminis-
tered abundantly and unstintingly to the spiritual and corporal needs of
all; 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
individual for the edification of others; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Bishop Lionel Harvey upon the occasion of his 10th Anniversary
with the First Baptist Cathedral of Westbury, to be celebrated on Febru-
ary 20, 2009, 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 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 Lionel Harvey.