LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 115th Anniversary of Morning
Star Missionary Baptist Church of Albany, New York, to be celebrated on
April 29, 2009

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
115th Anniversary of Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church of Albany,
New York, to be celebrated on Wednesday, April 29, 2009; and
WHEREAS, Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church is a small but histor-
ic, deeply spiritual and vibrant community; as Albany, New York, was a
stop on the Underground Railroad, the congregation's founders, the
descendents of former slaves, were emboldened to create a worship commu-
nity; and
WHEREAS, Striving to manifest the missionary aspect of its name, Morn-
ing Star Missionary Baptist Church has 10 ministries that range from the
various traditional church auxiliaries to very specific services for
people in need; it sponsors a Hot Meal program, Clothing Drive, as well
as several foreign missions and projects in Swaziland, Africa; and
WHEREAS, Throughout its distinguished history, Morning Star Missionary
Baptist Church has significantly contributed to the spiritual develop-
ment of the congregation and Upstate New York; it has emphasized the
development of educational excellence of young people and has fostered
community engagement; and
WHEREAS, In 1932, Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church was instru-
mental in organizing the Upper Hudson-Mohawk Valley Missionary Baptist
Educational Association; it also instituted "Third Sunday Dinners"
during the Great Depression and World War II; in 1956, it initiated a
scholarship program for students pursuing additional education; and in
1965, it began a housing development program; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church estab-
lished an ecumenical relationship with the Episcopal Cathedral of All
Saints in Albany, New York; it has also provided great leadership and
hospitality to the Empire State Baptist Convention by hosting Laymen's
League and Young People's Auxiliary of the State Convention; and
WHEREAS, Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church has been blessed with
extraordinary pastoral leadership; during its 115-year history, it has
had seven pastors who have contributed to the growth of the congregation
and the Albany community; its pastors have also offered their leadership
to the National Baptist Convention as well as the New York State Empire
Baptist Convention; its current pastor, Reverend John Franklin Lyde,
Jr., continues to strive for the advancement of the church; and
WHEREAS, Morning Star Missionary Baptist 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 115th Anniversary of Morning Star Missionary Baptist
Church of Albany, New York, to be observed on April 29, 2009, 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 Reverend John Franklin Lyde, Jr., Pastor, Morning Star
Missionary Baptist Church, Albany, New York.