LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 100th Anniversary of St. Philip
of Jesus Church of Willsboro, New York, to be celebrated on August 23,
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
100th Anniversary of St. Philip of Jesus Church of Willsboro, New York,
to be celebrated with a special Anniversary Mass on Sunday, August 23,
2009; and
WHEREAS, The St. Philip of Jesus Church parish was organized in 1908
and its church was built in 1909 on land purchased from Mrs. Marian
Palmer; prior to 1909, the Catholic families of the Essex County Town of
Willsboro had to travel either 12 miles to Keeseville or four to six
miles to Essex, and some chose to travel even further to Westport to
attend Mass; and
WHEREAS, The name of St. Philip was taken from the middle name of
Bishop Wadhams, the first Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of
Ogdensburg, New York, established by Pope Pius IX on February 16, 1872;
and
WHEREAS, While the foundation for the new St. Philip of Jesus Church
was being prepared in 1909, teams of horses were hauling masonry blocks
to the site; the church was completed in time for Midnight Mass to be
joyously celebrated there on December 24, 1909; and
WHEREAS, The church was dedicated on November 8, 1910 by the Bishop of
the Roman Catholic Diocese of Ogdensburg, Bishop Gabriels, in what was
described as "one of the grandest ceremonies ever witnessed in Wills-
boro"; and
WHEREAS, The first resident pastor, serving the 60 families of the
small new parish, was Reverend Hector Migneron; today, St. Philip of
Jesus Church and the 326 families which now comprise the parish are
served by resident priest Reverend Scott Seymour; and
WHEREAS, St. Philip of Jesus Church stands on the threshold of tomor-
row, prepared to meet the challenges of the coming decades while retain-
ing 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 100th Anniversary of St. Philip of Jesus Church of
Willsboro, New York, to be observed on August 23, 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 St. Philip of Jesus Church, 15 Main Street, Willsboro, New
York 12996.