LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 100th Anniversary of St. Antho-
ny of Padua Church of Utica, New York, to be celebrated on June 10, 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
100th Anniversary of St. Anthony of Padua Church of Utica, New York, to
be celebrated on Sunday, June 10, 2012; and
WHEREAS, In June of 1911, property was purchased from Devereux farms
to be used for the new St. Anthony of Padua Church; at this time, Rever-
end Alfred Roth was appointed to be the first pastor of the anticipated
church; and
WHEREAS, On December 24, 1911, Bishop Grimes consecrated the new St.
Anthony of Padua Church and the first mass was celebrated in the church
with Monsignor James Lynch officiating; and
WHEREAS, The first Franciscan sisters arrived at St. Anthony of Padua
Church to serve the parish in 1943; and
WHEREAS, Several years later, a fire damaged most of St. Anthony of
Padua Church, the altar and sacristy; with faith and determination, the
parish community joined together and the church was refurbished only
several months later; and
WHEREAS, In 1951, plans for a new St. Anthony School began; it opened
three years later with 75 students enrolled in kindergarten and first
grade; the school operated for over 20 years, before closing in 1976;
and
WHEREAS, In 1984, St. Anthony of Padua Church constructed the Saints
Cosmo and Damian shrine, which was subsequently dedicated by Bishop
Frank Harrison; and
WHEREAS, St. Anthony of Padua 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 100th Anniversary of St. Anthony of Padua Church of
Utica, New York, to be celebrated on June 10, 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 St. Anthony of Padua Church, Utica, New York.