LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 200th Anniversary of Boonville
First Baptist Church of Boonville, 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
200th Anniversary of Boonville First Baptist Church of Boonville, New
York; and
WHEREAS, Boonville First Baptist Church 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, On Saturday, October 31, 2009, the Boonville First Baptist
Church kicked-off the beginning of a yearlong celebration with the plac-
ing of a banner that stretches 33 feet across and five feet in height
across its church building displaying the phrase "Standing Up For Jesus
for 200 years; 1810-2010"; the banner was donated by Otis Inc. of Lyons
Falls, New York, and it was being unveiled to coincide with All Saints
Day which takes place on the Christian Calendar each year on November 1;
it will stay on display the entire bicentennial year; and
WHEREAS, The first worship service was actually held in November of
1809, but the Church was not chartered by the American Baptist Churches
until the following February of 1810; the Church was organized with 17
members; and
WHEREAS, Boonville First Baptist Church anticipates refurbishing its
front doors, a large stained glass window that covers the front of the
church and the placement of a handicapped accessible bathroom; Reverend
Feller explained that the yearlong celebration will focus on two week-
ends: one in March of 2010 and the other in May, as well as several
events in July and several smaller events throughout the year; and
WHEREAS, Church members were considering closing the doors just a few
years ago with less than 12 congregants, now the attendance averages
around 55 and new people are visiting all the time; 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 200th Anniversary of Boonville First Baptist Church of
Boonville, 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 Boonville First Baptist Church of Boonville, New York.