LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the First Baptist Church of Great
Valley upon the occasion of celebrating its 150th Anniversary

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend certain church communities that have, through devotion and
achievements, served generations of the faithful throughout this great
Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
the First Baptist Church of Great Valley upon the occasion of celebrat-
ing its 150th Anniversary; and
WHEREAS, The First Baptist Church of Great Valley, originally called
the Freewill Baptist Church, was formed with the adoption of their Arti-
cles of Faith and Church Covenant on May 5, 1860, in Great Valley, New
York; a Council of Recognition was called and convened with the church
on June 6, 1860; and
WHEREAS, Churches serve as the cornerstone of rural communities,
supporting the spiritual and social needs of their church families,
enhancing the quality of life in their communities; and
WHEREAS, The construction of a church edifice began in late 1878; the
church building, which seated 250 people, was completed and dedicated on
December 16, 1879; and
WHEREAS, The church was formally incorporated as the First Baptist
Church of Great Valley, New York, on February 18, 1906; and
WHEREAS, On September 15, 1943, the First Baptist Church of Great
Valley voted to sever all connections and affiliations with the Northern
Baptist Convention and its associates; in 1944, the church voted to join
the fellowship with the General Association of Regular Baptist Churches;
the Church's Constitution was adopted on November 10, 1957; and
WHEREAS, The First Baptist Church of Great Valley was rededicated on
November 12, 1961, in celebration of its 101st Anniversary; and
WHEREAS, The Constitution of the Church was amended and finances were
consolidated in 1994; the First Baptist Church of Great Valley cele-
brated its 135th Anniversary in 1995; and
WHEREAS, The First Baptist Church of Great Valley has been led by 45
pastors in its 150 years of existence; many pastors were trained or
ordained while a part of this church; and
WHEREAS, The current Pastor, Reverend Randy DeSantis, has served the
First Baptist Church of Great Valley since July 1, 2001; he is the 45th
Pastor of the Church in its 150 years; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to publicly recog-
nize those community churches that have served the spiritual needs of
their parishioners over the course of their long histories in this great
Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the First Baptist Church of Great Valley upon the occasion of
celebrating its 150th Anniversary; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Reverend Randy DeSantis, Pastor, First Baptist Church of
Great Valley.