LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending The Reverend Canon Richard F. Brewer
upon the occasion of his retirement after 24 years of service to The
Church of St. Luke and St. Matthew on April 10, 2010

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 The Reverend
Canon Richard F. Brewer upon the occasion of his retirement after 24
years of service to The Church of St. Luke and St. Matthew to be cele-
brated at a luncheon reception on Saturday, April 10, 2010 at the El
Caribe Country Club, Brooklyn, New York; and
WHEREAS, Canon Brewer is the fifth Rector of The Church of St. Luke
and St. Matthew, and has served the parish since April 1, 1986; he was
instituted on October 18, 1986 by The Rt. Rev. Henry B. Hucles, Bishop
Suffragan of Long Island; and
WHEREAS, During his esteemed tenure as Rector, Canon Brewer has been
committed to making the Buildings a resource for the community at large
as well as the parish; and
WHEREAS, Under Canon Brewer's guidance, the Buildings have been opened
for use by various support groups including: a troupe which presents
children's theater; overnight housing three nights per week for up to 12
homeless guests during the winter months; a food pantry is also avail-
able for the aid of those in need; ballet classes are offered to chil-
dren during the school term; and a merger with a nearby mission congre-
gation has introduced a ministry to and by people who speak Spanish as a
first language; and
WHEREAS, Mindful that the parish's large church Building is a resource
for the whole community, Canon Brewer has encouraged its use as a place
of gathering for the Brooklyn Episcopal community as well as others; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, Canon Brewer and the parish members have under-
taken the task of restoring the city, state and national landmark build-
ing in which they worship, and to date, have completed the first phase
of work; and
WHEREAS, In addition to parish work, Canon Brewer has been called upon
to contribute his time and talents to countless civic and charitable
endeavors and has always given of himself unstintingly; and
WHEREAS, Canon Brewer has served as a member and President of the
Standing Committee of the Diocese of Long Island; he is also a member of
the Chapter of The Cathedral of the Incarnation, the Board of Managers
of Episcopal Health Services and the Committee for the Election of a
Suffragan Bishop; and
WHEREAS, Moreover, Canon Brewer is a former member of the Executive
Committee of the Archdeaconry of Brooklyn, former Chairman of the Brook-
lyn Episcopal AIDS Committee and a former member of the Diocesan AIDS
Committee; and
WHEREAS, On the national level, Canon Brewer has served on the Board
of Directors of The National Episcopal AIDS Coalition, the Executive
Council Standing Committee on HIV/AIDS and as an alternate Deputy (2003)
and Deputy (2006 and 2009) to The General Convention of The Episcopal
Church; he will serve as Chairman of the General Convention Standing
Commission on Health until 2012; and

WHEREAS, Canon Brewer has brought to his ministry an overwhelming
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 professional 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 indi-
vidual for the edification of others; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend The Reverend Canon Richard F. Brewer upon the occasion of his
retirement after 24 years of service to The Church of St. Luke and St.
Matthew, noting his unremitting and compassionate faith and his exem-
plary service to God, man and his community, and extending to him the
heartfelt best wishes of this Legislative Body for a future of purpose-
ful success and well-being; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Reverend Canon Richard F. Brewer.