LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 200th Anniversary of the First
Baptist Church of North Utica, New York, celebrated on October 23, 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 First Baptist Church of North Utica, New York,
celebrated on Sunday, October 23, 2011, with a Church service followed
by a Brunch reception; and
WHEREAS, Established in 1811, the First Baptist Church of North Utica
was built on an acre of land purchased from General John G. Weaver on
the Schenectady turnpike; and
WHEREAS, The First Baptist Church of North Utica was a flourishing
congregation for many years until it fell upon hard times in the late
nineteenth century; unable to meet its finances, the church was forced
to close; and
WHEREAS, In 1954, Ruth Weaver Auert, a descendent of the Weavers,
worked diligently to reopen the church; and
WHEREAS, The Albany Street Baptist Church was seeking out a new
location and decided to resurrect the old building; the church was
refurbished with a new roof, windows and much hard work from its devoted
members; and
WHEREAS, On May 29, 1955, the Albany Street Baptist Church was rededi-
cated and named the First Baptist Church of North Utica; and
WHEREAS, The First Baptist Church of North Utica has left the communi-
ty an outstanding legacy through its preservation of the building, and
its maintenance of its cemetery which holds veterans of America's fiery
trials; and
WHEREAS, The many hurdles to existence faced by the First Baptist
Church of North Utica is a testament to the dedication and commitment of
generations of leaders and committed members who worked so diligently to
maintain the building and carry out the congregation's faithful mission;
and
WHEREAS, The First Baptist Church of North Utica stands on the thresh-
old of tomorrow, prepared to meet the challenges of the coming decades
while retaining 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 First Baptist Church of North
Utica observed on October 23, 2011, fully confident that this commem-
oration 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 the First Baptist Church of North Utica, Utica, New York.