LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 200th Anniversary of First
Presbyterian Church of Potsdam, New York, celebrated on June 10-12, 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 First Presbyterian Church of Potsdam, New York,
celebrated during a bicentennial celebration weekend, June 10-12, 2011;
and
WHEREAS, On June 9, 1811, the first church society was formed at the
Old Academy and Conference Room of what would soon become the First
Presbyterian Church of Potsdam; on March 10, 1812, the Rev. James John-
son was installed as its first pastor; since then 27 pastors have served
the church; and
WHEREAS, The first papers were drawn up on December 23, 1918, to build
a separate church; construction for a new church began in 1820; the
church was completed and dedicated in 1822; this church was the first
finished church in Potsdam and most people from then on referred to it
simply as the White Church; and
WHEREAS, Construction for the First Presbyterian Church's current home
began in 1868, and was completed in March of 1872; and
WHEREAS, Today, the First Presbyterian Church stands firmly as a
community gathering in Christ and ministering as God leads; and
WHEREAS, First Presbyterian 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 First Presbyterian Church observed
on June 12, 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 a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to First Presbyterian Church, Potsdam, New York.