LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring The Reverend Beverly Messenger-Harris
upon the occasion of celebrating becoming the first woman Rector in the
history of the world-wide Anglican Communion

WHEREAS, The character and richness of religious and community life in
this noble Empire State are 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 honor The Reverend
Beverly Messenger-Harris upon the occasion of celebrating becoming the
first woman Rector in the history of the world-wide Anglican Communion;
this auspicious occasion will be celebrated at the Gethsemane Episcopal
Church in Sherrill, New York, on Wednesday, June 23, 2010; and
WHEREAS, Founded on November 26, 1922, the Gethsemane Episcopal Church
in Sherrill, New York, is part of the Episcopal Church in USA denomi-
nation of churches; and
WHEREAS, On January 8, 1977, The Reverend Beverly Messenger-Harris was
ordained as one of the very first women in the United States under a new
canon law; she has continued to serve the congregation and the community
with distinction; and
WHEREAS, On June 1, 1977, the vestry and members of the Gethsemane
Episcopal Church in Sherrill, New York, made history when they selected
The Reverend Beverly Messenger-Harris as the first woman Rector in the
history of the world-wide Anglican Communion; and
WHEREAS, The historic ordination of The Reverend Beverly Messenger-
Harris as the first woman Rector in the history of the world-wide Angli-
can Communion ended the 125-year-old tradition of the Episcopal Church
against permitting women to hold the leadership role of Rector; this
ordination demonstrated the congregation's commitment to its own tradi-
tion of change and advancement for the betterment for all; and
WHEREAS, The Reverend Beverly Messenger-Harris remains true to the
city of Sherrill, New York, and to the congregation of the Gethsemane
Episcopal Church which has invested its hope for change and strengthen-
ing of neighborhood churches and the community; and
WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion presents a unique opportunity for
this Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to The Reverend
Beverly Messenger-Harris and to the Gethsemane Episcopal Church in Sher-
rill, New York; 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
honor The Reverend Beverly Messenger-Harris upon the occasion of cele-
brating becoming the first woman Rector in the history of the world-wide
Anglican Communion; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Reverend Beverly Messenger-Harris, Gethsemane Episcopal
Church, Sherrill, New York.