LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 275th Anniversary of New Hemp-
stead Presbyterian Church to be celebrated on June 20, 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
275th Anniversary of New Hempstead Presbyterian Church to be celebrated
at a Strawberry Festival on Saturday, June 20, 2009; and
WHEREAS, Festivities will include a myriad of activities including
square dancing, baked goods, strawberry-themed foods and preserves for
sale, as well as performances and face-painting by Sparkle the Magic
Clown, a Choir recital, old fashioned games, a Barn Dance and Craft
items; and
WHEREAS, The early history of New Hempstead Presbyterian Church is
reflective of the history of Rockland County; the first settlement in
the territory that is now known as Rockland County was made at Haver-
straw, New York, around 1681; and
WHEREAS, The pioneer families who first lodged in this vast wilderness
were Dutch--thoroughly Dutch--in their customs, language and religion;
and
WHEREAS, In this area of the Dutch settlement, New Hempstead Presbyte-
rian Church was founded in 1734 and was the first English-speaking
congregation west of the Hudson River; and
WHEREAS, For that reason, it was long known as the English Meeting
House; its present sanctuary was erected in 1827 and retains essentially
its original structure; and
WHEREAS, In 1978, New Hempstead Presbyterian Church was designated as
a National Historic Landmark; Murchison Hall, a modern building located
on the church's beautiful five-acre campus, was constructed in 1961 for
educational and social activities; and
WHEREAS, Under the devoted leadership of Pastor Reverend Dr. Lori
Knight-Whitehouse, New Hempstead Presbyterian 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 275th Anniversary of New Hempstead Presbyterian Church,
to be observed on June 20, 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 Dr. Lori Knight-Whitehouse, Pastor, New Hempstead
Presbyterian Church.