LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 200th Anniversary of First
Presbyterian Church of Buffalo, New York, to be celebrated on May 20,
2012

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 Buffalo, New York; and
WHEREAS, The First Presbyterian Church of Buffalo is the home of
Buffalo's oldest congregation and the "mother church" of several more;
founded on February 2, 1812, by missionaries and veterans of the Revolu-
tionary War, it was incorporated as the First Presbyterian Society of
the Town of Buffalo in 1815; and
WHEREAS, Over its 200 years, First Presbyterian Church of Buffalo has
been a beacon on the West Side of Buffalo; it has earned a place in
history, and among other things, the Visiting Nurses Association had its
start as a mission project there; and
WHEREAS, Theodore Roosevelt worshipped at First Presbyterian Church
when he visited Buffalo; First Presbyterian's commitment to mission has
endured since its founding and has taken form in many outreach programs
that are currently serving the people of Buffalo; 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 of
Buffalo, New York, to be observed on May 20, 2012, 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 of Buffalo, New York.