LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 75th Anniversary of St.
Leonard's Church of Brooklyn, New York, to be celebrated on November 11,
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
75th Anniversary of St. Leonard's Church of Brooklyn, New York, to be
celebrated at an Anniversary Banquet on Friday, November 11, 2011, at
the Grand Prospect Hall, Brooklyn, New York; and
WHEREAS, Established by a small group of Christian believers who
worshipped in the home of Brother Joseph T. Haynes and his wife Mary,
St. Leonard's Church was legally certified on April 29, 1936; and
WHEREAS, In October of 1944, after many years of seeking a suitable
edifice for worship, the congregation purchased an unoccupied Jewish
Synagogue located at 765 Putnam Avenue in Brooklyn, New York; the dedi-
cation and consecration of the building occurred on Sunday, October 9,
1955; and
WHEREAS, Today, under the able leadership of The Reverend Iverston
Walrond, St. Leonard's Church stands on the threshold 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 75th Anniversary of St. Leonard's Church of Brooklyn,
New York, to be observed on November 11, 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 The Reverend Iverston Walrond, St. Leonard's Church, 765
Putnam Avenue, Brooklyn, New York.