LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Reverend Mae Wyatt upon the occasion
of her designation for special recognition in honor of her outstanding
leadership and achievements in her community on May 23, 2009

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is moved to recognize and pay tribute to
those individuals of firm belief and commitment who have devoted their
purposeful lives to the service of faith and community; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Reverend Mae Wyatt upon the occasion of her designation for special
recognition in honor of her outstanding leadership and achievements in
her community to be celebrated at Esther House Ministries Anniversary on
Saturday, May 23, 2009, at the LaGuardia Marriott, East Elmhurst, New
York; and
WHEREAS, A woman of unwavering faith and devotion, Reverend Mae Wyatt
has brought to her ministry an overwhelming spirit of charity and
compassion, acting from vision and enlightenment in conducting her
administrative and spiritual duties, while always displaying the highest
standards of personal and professional integrity and dedication; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Mae Wyatt is the esteemed Pastor of Friendship
Church of Christ Baptist located in Corona, Queens; she is also the
first elected female to serve as President of The Baptist Minister's
Evening Conference in its 85-year history; and
WHEREAS, Additionally, Reverend Mae Wyatt was among a group of
pioneering women to own and operate her own real estate company for 45
years; she currently serves as Zone Chair for over 180 Western Queens
real estate businesses; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Mae Wyatt has been involved in prison ministry for
over 35 years; she is affectionately known as Mother Wyatt in Riker's
Island's Rose M. Singer Block and Bedford Hills Women's Prison; she has
been named the "Godmother" of Sing-Sing Prison by inmates whose lives
she touches through her personal encouragement, prayer and letters; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Mae Wyatt is the founder of Esther House, a transi-
tional housing and personal development program that assists women exit-
ing the prison systems; she is also the founder of The Esther House
Awards Banquet, recognizing outstanding individuals who have helped meet
the needs of those transitioning back into mainstream society; and
WHEREAS, The outreach ministry of the Friendship Church of Christ
Baptist, expands beyond the Esther House; the "prison team" consists of
many faithful members of the church who bring services to the women in
Rose M. Singer Correctional Facility the first Friday of every month;
the collection of coins every Sunday initiated by Reverend Wyatt helps
to purchase a wide variety of items for long term inmates; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Mae Wyatt also dedicates much of her time and ener-
gies corresponding regularly with men and women behind bars and is
considered by many to be their "other mother"; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of her efforts of in-depth magnitude, Reverend
Mae Wyatt was chosen by the 21st Century Foundation, as an outstanding
leader, role model, and community philanthropist; and
WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her husband, Reverend William
N. Wyatt, her four children, as well as her grandchildren and great
grandchildren, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of her life and
rejoice in her achievements; and
WHEREAS, This distinguished woman of God has always given enlight-
enment, guidance and wisdom to the many entrusted to her care and has
administered abundantly and unstintingly to the spiritual and corporeal
needs of all; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when a person
of such noble aims and accomplishments is brought to our attention it is
appropriate to publicly and jubilantly proclaim and commend that indi-
vidual for the edification of others; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Reverend Mae Wyatt upon the occasion of her designation for
special recognition in honor of her outstanding leadership and achieve-
ments in her community on May 23, 2009; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Reverend Mae Wyatt.