LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 150th Anniversary of Highland
Mills United Methodist Church

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 Highland Mills United Methodist Church; and
WHEREAS, In 1859, a contract was signed for the erection of Highland
Mills United Methodist Church; work on the building continued for many
years, the end with the steeple and the current front entrance facing
Route 32 were built later, while the original furnishings included the
altar and the pulpit; and
WHEREAS, A legacy was left to Highland Mills Untied Methodist Church
in 1898 which provided the funds to install a furnace in the church so
the old stoves could be removed; in 1908, electric lights were
installed, replacing kerosene lamps; and
WHEREAS, The following year, memorial stained glass windows, hardwood
floors and permanent pews were installed at Highland Mills United Metho-
dist Church; in 1928, the present Moller organ, that continues to
provide joyful music to this day, was purchased; and
WHEREAS, Over the years, the Highland Mills United Methodist Church
has been blessed with a long line of inspiring pastors; the Reverend
William Blake was pastor in 1859, when the present church was built; the
Reverend M.M. Curtis served as pastor in the early years of the Civil
War; and the Reverend Marvin R. Lent served as pastor about 120 years
ago; and
WHEREAS, Highland Mills United Methodist Church stands on the thresh-
old 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 Highland Mills United Methodist
Church, 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 Highland Mills United Methodist Church.