LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 150th Anniversary of Institu-
tional African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church of Yonkers, 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
150th Anniversary of Institutional African Methodist Episcopal Zion
Church of Yonkers, New York; and
WHEREAS, African Americans in Yonkers, New York, began to worship as a
separate body in 1860, and worshipped only at night in the white Metho-
dist Episcopal Church in Getty Square, while Sunday school was conducted
for the children twice monthly in the afternoon; and
WHEREAS, From these services, the church that would become known as
Institutional African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church was organized in
1861 as Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, and this was
the founding of what is today, the oldest African American Church in the
City of Yonkers; and
WHEREAS, Although organized as a congregation in 1861, the Assembly
that would become Institutional African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church
had no denominational identity until William Griffin, assisted by a few
friends, rented a small cottage on Guion Street near Manor Hall, and the
church soon began its affiliation with the African Methodist Episcopal
Zion denomination; and
WHEREAS, The church met at several halls located on North Broadway and
on October 15, 1884, the cornerstone of a new church building was laid
at 274 New Main Street in Yonkers, and while that sanctuary was under
construction, services were held at the First Presbyterian Church, and
on April 12, 1885, the new edifice was dedicated; and
WHEREAS, After a period of 38 years of worship at the New Main Street
site, the congregation moved to its present location at 42 Irving Place,
and the cornerstone of the present building was laid on April 28, 1923;
this brick edifice with its unique double towers and stained glass
windows remains one of Yonkers' historical treasures; and
WHEREAS, Today, the Institutional African Methodist Episcopal Zion
Church is a vibrant part of the community of Yonkers and in addition to
serving the spiritual needs of its members, they are involved in commu-
nity service efforts, including food and clothing outreach programs, a
Prison Fellowship Program, an active Girl Scout Troop, and a Summer
Youth Job Program; and
WHEREAS, Having celebrated its sesquicentennial anniversary of its
founding on Sunday, May 23, 2010, Institutional African Methodist Epis-
copal Zion 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 150th Anniversary of Institutional African Methodist
Episcopal Zion Church of Yonkers, 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 Institutional African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church of
Yonkers, New York.