LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending The Reverend Richard J. Lawson upon
the occasion of celebrating his 23rd Anniversary as Pastor of New Canaan
Baptist Church in Brooklyn, New York

WHEREAS, The character and richness of religious and community life in
this noble Empire State is nourished and fulfilled through the faithful
concern and selfless devotion of those who would commit their energies
and purpose to the ministry of others; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to bring full recog-
nition and just tribute to those individuals who distinguish themselves
and the ministry through their unremitting commitment and preeminence of
service; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend The Reverend
Richard J. Lawson upon the occasion of celebrating his 23rd Anniversary
as Pastor of New Canaan Baptist Church in Brooklyn, New York; this
auspicious occasion will be celebrated at the Banquet Hall of the New
Canaan Baptist Church, 228 Putnam Avenue, Brooklyn, New York, on Satur-
day, March 26, 2011; and
WHEREAS, Born in Camden, South Carolina, The Reverend Richard J.
Lawson moved to Newark , New Jersey, with his family at a very young
age; he attended public schools in Newark and graduated from Boys Voca-
tional and Technical High School; and
WHEREAS, Joining the Tabernacle Baptist Church at an early age, The
Reverend Richard J. Lawson grew up in the church, attending Sunday
School, BTU, Bible class and singing in the choir; and
WHEREAS, Upon graduation from high school, The Reverend Richard J.
Lawson was inducted in the United States Army, serving for six years and
receiving an honorable discharge in 1964; following his discharge, he
enrolled at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City; and
WHEREAS, Joining the Pentecostal House of Prayer where his father was
the Pastor, The Reverend Richard J. Lawson became licensed and ordained
as a Minister of God; and
WHEREAS, Desiring to continue his ministry, The Reverend Richard J.
Lawson enrolled in the Manhattan Bible Institute; after successfully
completing his prescribed courses at the Institute, he was licensed as a
Minister to preach God's word; and
WHEREAS, Being led by the Holy Spirit, The Reverend Richard J. Lawson
joined the New Canaan Baptist Church under the tutelage and pastorship
of the late Dr. A.L. Cunningham, and served as its Associate Minister
and drummer for the mass choir; and
WHEREAS, Upon the passing of Dr. Cunningham, The Reverend Richard J.
Lawson was selected to be Supply Pastor; he was recommended to be
licensed a Baptist preacher by the New Canaan Baptist Church Deacon
Board and members and, after examination by the Moderator and Eastern
Baptist Association, he was licensed and ordained a Baptist preacher;
and
WHEREAS, In March 1989, The Reverend Richard J. Lawson was called as
Pastor of the New Canaan Baptist Church in Brooklyn, New York; and
WHEREAS, The Reverend Richard J. Lawson is married to Lady Ann Lawson
and the father of four beloved children: Richard, Jr., Craig, Donna and
Tresslyn; he resides with his wife, Ann, in Roosevelt, New York; 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 The Reverend Richard J. Lawson upon the occasion of celebrating

his 23rd Anniversary as Pastor of New Canaan Baptist Church in Brooklyn,
New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Reverend Richard J. Lawson, New Canaan Baptist Church,
228 Putnam Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11216.