LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 120th Anniversary of St. John's
Roman Catholic Church of Camden, New York, celebrated on June 26, 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
120th Anniversary of St. John's Roman Catholic Church of Camden, New
York, celebrated in conjunction with a rededication ceremony on Satur-
day, June 26, 2010; and
WHEREAS, At this most auspicious occasion, Bishop Robert J. Cunningham
rededicated the church, which was beautifully renovated, and confirmed
six confirmation candidates; a reception also followed the celebratory
Mass; and
WHEREAS, Catholic families began settling in and around Camden and
Florence, New York, after 1817, when the construction of the Erie Canal
brought thousands of Irish Catholic immigrants to the region; and
WHEREAS, The original St. John's Roman Catholic Church was purchased
and organized by Father John Fitzpatrick, who was also responsible for
the establishment of Churches in North Bay and Cleveland; in 1876, the
Rt. Reverend Bishop McNierney erected Camden into a parish with outly-
ing missions in Williamstown, Sandy Creek, Pulaski and what is now known
as Altmar; and
WHEREAS, On January 3, 1879, Reverend Patrick Beecham became the first
resident Pastor of St. John's with 42 families, which today, has grown
to a parish of more than 400 families; and
WHEREAS, After a tragic fire destroyed its previous building, the
first Mass held at St. John's Roman Catholic Church was on Christmas Day
in 1889; St. John's Church Society was legally organized that April, and
plans for a new church began immediately; and
WHEREAS, Father John McGraw laid the cornerstone in September and the
church was completed in time for Christmas Mass; on June 3, 1890, Bishop
Ludden dedicated the church that still stands today; and
WHEREAS, Since its construction in 1889, St. John's Roman Catholic
Church has undergone multiple transformations and changes; in the 1960s
the traditional Victorian exterior made of wooden slats and wainscoting
was covered with vinyl siding; every wall surface has been replaced and
freshly painted, along with vaulted ceilings and hardwood flooring; a
new lighting and sound system have been installed, and a new enclosed
side entrance and steps constructed; the front vestibule was also gutted
and remodeled; and
WHEREAS, Many of the Church's original features have been restored and
cleaned up including the original windows and an entirely refurbished
altar; others have been recycled from churches that have closed, such as
pews or been donated including a statue of St. Anne along with a baby
grand piano; the light yellow, gold, burgundy and violet color palette
was taken directly from the stained glass above the altar; and
WHEREAS, Under the esteemed leadership of Father Carlo Stirpe, St.
John's Roman Catholic 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 120th Anniversary of St. John's Roman Catholic Church of
Camden, New York, observed on June 26, 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 Father Carlo Stirpe, Pastor, St. John's Roman Catholic
Church, Camden, New York.