LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring The Reverend Father Eric A. Stephens
upon the occasion of his retirement from St. Augustine's Episcopal
Church

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to bring full recogni-
tion and just tribute to those men and women of religious commitment who
accept the responsibility of moral leadership and render the wisdom of
human understanding; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor The
Reverend Father Eric A. Stephens upon the occasion of his retirement
from St. Augustine's Episcopal Church, to be celebrated on Friday, Janu-
ary 22, 2010; and
WHEREAS, The Reverend Eric Stephens has been a Priest for over 36
years; he spent most of his professional years in his native land of
Jamaica where he served in many areas of life, including social and
spiritual; and
WHEREAS, Before entering Seminary, Father Stephens earned a certif-
icate in Public Assistance and worked as a government officer allocating
financial and other government assistance to the feeble and impover-
ished; and
WHEREAS, With a deep spiritual inclination for the Lord's service,
Father Stephens entered the United Theological College of the West
Indies and earned a certificate in religious studies in 1970; having
feelings of being called to the priesthood, he went back and graduated
with a diploma in Theology in 1976; and
WHEREAS, Father Stephens became a Deacon in 1970 and assisted as a
Curate in the St. John's Parish Church in St. Elizabeth, and was
ordained a Priest in 1973; after leaving Seminary, he became the Rector
at St. Augustine's Anglican Church in Porus Manchester, where he served
with honor and distinction; and
WHEREAS, After 10 years, Father Stephens left and went to Pedro Plains
in Treasure Beach, and became the Rector of St. Peter's, St.
Augustine's, St. Paul's and All Saints Church; and
WHEREAS, Father Stephens migrated to the United States in 1995 and
worked as a Supply Priest at St. David's in Cambria Heights, and in 1996
at St. Ann's and Holy Trinity; he then went on to serve as an Assistant
Priest in 1997 at St. Augustine's Episcopal Church where he served for
12 years; he also served as an Assistant Priest on occasions at St.
Gabriel Episcopal Church; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Diona, their children
Peter, David, and Ouida, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of his
life and rejoice in his achievements; 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
individual for the edification of others; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor The Reverend Father Eric A. Stephens upon the occasion of his
retirement from St. Augustine's Episcopal Church; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Reverend Father Eric A. Stephens.