LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Reverend Doctor David G. Persons upon
the occasion of his designation for special recognition after many years
of dedicated service as Pastor of the Wayside Presbyterian Church in
Hamburg, New York

WHEREAS, The character and richness of religious and community life in
this noble Empire State is 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 Reverend
Doctor David G. Persons upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition after many years of dedicated service as Pastor of the
Wayside Presbyterian Church in Hamburg, New York; this auspicious occa-
sion will be celebrated at a Retirement Testimonial Dinner to be held in
his honor in May 2009; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Doctor David G. Persons received his Bachelor of
Arts degree from Bob Jones University in 1965; he continued his educa-
tion at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, where he obtained his Master of
Divinity; and
WHEREAS, Installed as the Pastor on August 1, 1976, Pastor David G.
Persons has rendered 33 years of spiritual guidance to the Wayside Pres-
byterian Church in Hamburg, New York, and brought to his ministry an
overwhelming spirit of charity and compassion and has acted with vision
and enlightenment while conducting his administrative and spiritual
duties; and
WHEREAS, On May 26, 1990, Reverend David G. Persons received his
Doctorate of Ministry from San Francisco Theological Seminary; and
WHEREAS, Over the course of his ministry at the Wayside Presbyterian
Church in Hamburg, New York, Pastor David G. Persons has officiated at
some 600 funerals, 600 weddings, and 1,000 baptisms; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Doctor David G. Persons was a Moderator of the Pres-
bytery of Western New York and also Moderator of Wright's Memorial Pres-
byterian Church, a Native American Church in Irving, New York; he was
Chair of both the Presbytery Worship Committee and Presbytery Church and
Society Committee; and
WHEREAS, In 1982, Reverend Doctor David G. Persons was the Co-founder
of the Task Force to Reduce the Nuclear Arms Race at the United Nations,
which later became The Peace Committee of Western New York; and
WHEREAS, A Kiwanis Club member from 1979 to 1986, Reverend Doctor
David G. Persons was also a Chaplain and Life Member of the Lake Shore
Volunteer Fire Department; and
WHEREAS, In addition, from 1979 to 1986, Reverend Doctor David G.
Persons led yearly youth group bike tours in Western New York and South-
ern Pennsylvania; he also led a youth group to the 20th Anniversary of
Dr. Martin Luther King's speech in Washington; and
WHEREAS, With Reverend Doctor David G. Persons throughout have been
his wife, Naomi, and their four children: Lisa, Dorinda, Dawn and Eric;
eight grandchildren have also enhanced the life of Pastor David G.
Persons and his wife: Brandon, Jenna, Ashley, Connor, Brady, Caden,
Kiersten and Joshua; and
WHEREAS, This distinguished man of God has always given enlightenment,
guidance and wisdom to the many entrusted to his care and has adminis-

tered abundantly and unstintingly to the spiritual and corporal needs of
all; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Reverend Doctor David G. Persons for his 33 years of spiritual
guidance as Pastor at the Wayside Presbyterian Church in Hamburg, New
York, noting the unremitting and compassionate faith in his service to
God, man and his community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Pastor David G. Persons, Wayside Presbyterian Church, 5017
Lakeshore Road, Hamburg, New York 14075.