LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 50th Anniversary of Grace
Baptist Church of Rome, 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
50th Anniversary of Grace Baptist Church of Rome, New York; and
WHEREAS, This special church was founded in response to the need for a
Southern Baptist church by members of the military serving at Griffiss
Air Force Base in the late 1950s; and
WHEREAS, The biggest change for the church has been its transition
from a military church to civilian; following the close of Griffiss Air
Force Base in 1995, the church faced a major loss in membership, but 15
years later, it is still strong, moving into the future; and
WHEREAS, Grace Baptist 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 50th Anniversary of Grace Baptist Church of Rome, 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 Daniel Goewey, Pastor, Grace Baptist Church.