LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the Oratorio Society of Queens on the
occasion of celebrating their 85th Anniversary on May 20, 2012

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organiza-
tions and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the
community and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
the Oratorio Society of Queens on the occasion of its 85th Anniversary,
to be celebrated at their Annual Spring Concert on Sunday, May 20, 2012,
at Queensborough Performing Arts Center in Bayside, New York; and
WHEREAS, The Oratorio Society of Queens, originally known as the
Oratorio Society of Flushing, was founded in 1927; and
WHEREAS, The idea of a community-based mixed voice chorus, dedicated
to sharing the aesthetic values oratorio music expresses, was conceived
by Mrs. Edward Keefe as Queens' answer to the Oratorio Society of New
York; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Keefe was initially assisted by John W. Norton, organist
and choirmaster of St. George's Episcopal Church and Edward M. Franklin,
a leading layman of the church; and
WHEREAS, The charter members were an enthusiastic and dedicated group
drawn from Flushing's several old, prominent families, among the most
esteemed and respected in New York City; and
WHEREAS, In keeping with the democratic spirit historically associated
with Flushing, membership was open to all; among other members was
Bertha Parsons, the last owner-resident of Bowne House before it was
opened as a museum of early Flushing; and
WHEREAS, On May 12, 1927, a chorus of 100 voices directed by John
Norton performed Mendelssohn's "Hymn of Praise" to critical acclaim
before an audience of 900 at Flushing High School; and
WHEREAS, The chorus, subsequently conducted by Herbert Sammond, and
later by Lawrence Rasmussen, performed two major concerts a year until
1943, when Mr. Rasmussen was called to service in World War II; and
WHEREAS, Rehearsals were suspended until 1946, when Mr. Rasmussen
returned; David Katz, founder of the Queens Symphony, succeeded Mr.
Rasmussen in ensuing years, dispelling the notion that the works of the
great masters are too deep and profound for the average person to under-
stand and appreciate; and
WHEREAS, By the Oratorio Society's 75th anniversary in 2003, Maestro
David Close had, for thirty years, successfully continued the traditions
established by the founding members; and
WHEREAS, In 1985, the Society changed its name to the Oratorio Society
of Queens in recognition of membership deriving from all parts of
Queens; and
WHEREAS, Today, the Oratorio Society of Queens stands as the oldest
performing cultural organization in the borough; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when organiza-
tions of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Oratorio Society of Queens on the occasion of celebrating
their 85th Anniversary on May 20, 2012; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Oratorio Society of Queens.