LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 110th Anniversary of Newman
Memorial United Methodist Church of Brooklyn, New York, to be celebrated
Saturday, January 23, 2010

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
110th Anniversary of Newman Memorial United Methodist Church of Brook-
lyn, New York, to be celebrated on January 23, 2010; and
WHEREAS, In October of 1900, Newman Memorial was established and
admitted to the New York East conference as a mission of St. Marks Meth-
odist Church with The Reverend W. H. Brooks serving as Pastor; the name
Newman Memorial was chosen in honor of Bishop John Phillip Newman who,
during the Civil War, established New Orleans University, which is
currently known as Dillard University; and
WHEREAS, The first building that the congregation occupied was a
little frame house converted to a church and known as the Old Embury
Church at Herkimer Street and Schenectady Avenue; in April of 1901,
Newman Memorial was transferred to the Delaware conference; due to the
increase of the growth of membership, the congregation had to move in
January of 1905 to a building at 629-631 Herkimer Street and remained
there until 1919; and
WHEREAS, In 1919, Newman Memorial relocated to the Russell Place Meth-
odist Church building, which was located at 1142 Herkimer Street; this
location was known as "On the Hill" and the congregation remained at
this site to worship for 26 years; and
WHEREAS, On January 7, 1945, Newman Memorial moved to its current
location, which is 257 Macon Street; and
WHEREAS, Over the years, Newman Memorial United Methodist Church has
grown in membership and has also transformed into a glorious place of
worship, under the past leadership of: Reverend M.C. Jennings, Reverend
Robert G. Waters, Reverend Henri M. Deas, Reverend Edward D. McGowan,
Reverend Joseph Morrison, and Reverend Dr. William G. Smartt; and
WHEREAS, Ably led by Reverend Walter C. Barton, Jr., Newman Memorial
United Methodist 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, 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 110th Anniversary of Newman Memorial United Methodist
Church of Brooklyn, New York, to be observed on Saturday, January 23,
2010, 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 Reverend Walter C. Barton, Jr., Pastor of Newman Memorial
United Methodist Church.