LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION celebrating the 100th Anniversary of St. Joseph's
House of Worship in Babylon, New York, on June 3, 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 great pleasure in celebrating the
100th Anniversary of St. Joseph's House of Worship in Babylon, New York,
to be celebrated with a special Mass, followed by a Reception, on
Sunday, June 3, 2012; and
WHEREAS, In 1877, St. Joseph's first church was built and on June 25,
1911, it proudly broke ground for its beautiful new church on North
Carll Avenue in Babylon, New York; the first mass was celebrated in the
new church on July 28, 1912; and
WHEREAS, The architects, Reiley and Steinback of New York City,
modeled the parish's new church after, and in the general design of, the
Basilica di Santo Stefano in Bologna, Italy; the builder was John Cocke-
rill of North Babylon; and
WHEREAS, Because of its unique all-brick structure, St. Joseph's
Church was, at the time, the only church of its kind in the United
States; and
WHEREAS, The church has a total length of 125 feet and is 60 feet
wide; more than a million-and-a-half bricks were used in its
construction; and
WHEREAS, St. Joseph'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
celebrate the 100th Anniversary of St. Joseph's House of Worship in
Babylon, New York, on June 3, 2012, 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 St. Joseph's Church of Babylon, New York.