LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the Cornerstone Baptist Church
Business and Professional Women upon the occasion of hosting the Dr.
Sandy F. Ray Awards Luncheon and paying tribute to its illustrious hono-
rees

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 commem-
orate the Cornerstone Baptist Church Business and Professional Women
upon the occasion of hosting the Dr. Sandy F. Ray Awards Luncheon and
paying tribute to its illustrious honorees, on Saturday, September 22,
2012, at the Fleur de Lis in Ridgewood, New York; and
WHEREAS, On this most auspicious occasion the Business and Profes-
sional Women will honor the following individuals for their ceaseless
dedicated community service: Deacon Wade Mitchell, recipient of the
Special Recognition Award; Lance E. Felder, recipient of the Male Youth
Award; Jacquleen J. Stevenson, recipient of the Female Youth Award; and
Director of Community Affairs at Bellevue Hospital Center, Ruth D. Hunt
as recipient of the Community Service Award; and
WHEREAS, The Business and Professional Women's Division of the
Missionary Society was organized by the late Geneva Berrien in 1972; and
WHEREAS, The late Frances Strange was President of the Missionary
Society, the late Dr. Sandy F. Ray was pastor and the group followed the
guidelines of the American Baptist Association; and
WHEREAS, In 1972, Mrs. Gladys Putney was appointed President of the
Missionary Society; Geneva Berrien continued as Chairperson of the Busi-
ness and Professional Women's Division and the group worked under the
umbrella of the National Baptist Convention, U.S.A., Inc.; and
WHEREAS, In the late seventies, the project to bring senior citizens
to church by private vehicles was initiated by the late Mrs. Nellie
Maloney, a member; and
WHEREAS, The first church van "Wheels for Christ" was purchased in the
mid-eighties by the church, under the leadership of Dr. Harry S. Wright,
Pastor Emeritus; for several years the Business and Professional Women
supported financially the housing of the van; the late Bessie Jones
coordinated the effort; and
WHEREAS, During the eighties under Pecola Rodriguez's leadership, the
Ramp Project was initiated; later, the church included the project in
its major renovation plans; and
WHEREAS, In January 1986, the Business and Professional Women was
separated from the Missionary Society and given status of a club; Pecola
Rodriguez continued as president; and
WHEREAS, The Club Song was composed by Pecola Rodriguez and written by
the late Nicholas Rodriguez; the Club logo idea was initiated by Mrs.
Rodriguez, designed by the late Mary Haughton along with other members,
and made by Christine Newsum; and
WHEREAS, In 1972, the Easter Lily Project began; the late Georgia
Gayden, a friend of Geneva Berrien suggested the idea; the purpose was
to memorialize loved ones, honor the living, bring cheer to the sick and
shut-in and beautify their church; and
WHEREAS, In early 1987, the Dr. Sandy F. Ray Awards Luncheon idea was
originated by the late Mary Haughton; the first luncheon took place at
the Harvest Manor Dining Center on November 7, 1987; and

WHEREAS, In 1994, the Financial Planning Seminar project was initiated
by Christine Newsum, a non-fundraising, information only project; in
July 2003, the Business and Professional Women fielded their 3rd Finan-
cial Literacy Forum, chaired by Sharon Edwards and Judaea Lane; in both
projects, topics of discussion included, Elder Law, Wills, Trusts,
Estates and Retirement Planning; and
WHEREAS, In the Summer of 2006, led by Judaea Lane and Cyraisse
Clarke, the Business and Professional Women launched a pilot program
entitled Operation Business Etiquette Advantage; its mission was to
provide students with etiquette skills that will prepare them for
today's global competitive marketplace; students participated in the
following workshops: The Art of Dining and Conversation, The Art of
Making a Positive Image and The Art of Projecting a Positive Image; 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
commemorate the Cornerstone Baptist Church Business and Professional
Women upon the occasion of hosting the Dr. Sandy F. Ray Awards Luncheon
and paying tribute to its illustrious honorees; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Cornerstone Baptist Church Business and Professional
Women.