LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 200th Anniversary of the Mace-
donia African Methodist Episcopal Church of Queens, New York, to be
celebrated on June 25, 2011

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
200th Anniversary of the Macedonia African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.)
Church of Queens, New York, to be celebrated on Saturday, June 25, 2011;
and
WHEREAS, As one of the oldest organizations of any kind in Queens, the
Macedonia A.M.E. Church has truly been a pillar of strength and a source
of pride for everyone; and
WHEREAS, The Macedonia A.M.E. Church was organized by people of Afri-
can descent and heritage, welcoming all, and has become a multi-racial,
multi-cultural institution; and
WHEREAS, Today, the Macedonia A.M.E. Church's commitment to social
justice and equality is as strong as it was 200 years ago; throughout
its history, it has served as a beacon of hope to those seeking a better
life; and
WHEREAS, Not only is Flushing blessed to have such an invaluable
institution in the community, the Macedonia A.M.E. Church has truly
shaped the lives of so many people; it exemplifies the rich culture that
represents Queens, New York City's most diverse borough; and
WHEREAS, The Macedonia A.M.E. Church offers a wide range of ministries
to build bridges among parishioners and the community, ranging from
Bible study to food pantries, health and wellness services to day care,
adult and youth fellowship; and
WHEREAS, The block of 38th Avenue at Union Street where the Macedonia
A.M.E. Church is located will be co-named Macedonia A.M.E. Church Way
in honor of the 200th Anniversary; and
WHEREAS, The original site of the Macedonia A.M.E. Church was
purchased in 1811 by the Trustees and members of the African Methodist
Society of Flushing, New York, which is believed to have been formed
years previously by free blacks, Native Americans and whites, who may
also have been ex-slaves; and
WHEREAS, In 1818, Richard Allen sought to expand the influence of the
newly formed African Methodist Episcopal Church by sending missions to
New York; by 1820, eight churches had joined the New York Conference,
and in 1821, the Reverend Henry Heardon was appointed the first minister
of the Macedonia A.M.E. Church; and
WHEREAS, In 1837, the Macedonia A.M.E. Church's first building was
erected near its present site; and
WHEREAS, The congregation grew to more than 500 members, and by 1928,
more space was needed; The Reverend William McKinley Dawkins led the
largest prayer meeting in the New York Conference, and four years later,
the new building was dedicated; and
WHEREAS, The Reverend G. Grant Crumpley led the congregation in its
fight to preserve the Macedonia A.M.E. Church building and adjacent lot
from the wrecking ball in the 1940s, and thanks to his efforts, the
building still stands in downtown Flushing; and

WHEREAS, The Macedonia A.M.E. 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 200th Anniversary of the Macedonia A.M.E. Church, to be
observed on June 25, 2011, 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 copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Pastor, Reverend Richard O. McEachern; Assistant Pastor,
Reverend Ellen C. McEachern; and Committee Chairs, Marion Brown and
Chiquita Carter, Macedonia A.M.E. Church, Queens, New York.