LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 135th Anniversary of Emanuel
United Church of Christ of Woodhaven, Queens, New York, to be celebrated
on May 6, 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
135th Anniversary of Emanuel United Church of Christ of Woodhaven,
Queens, New York, to be celebrated on Sunday, May 6, 2012; and
WHEREAS, Emanuel Church of Christ began as a mission of the Reformed
Church of Christ; during the winter of 1876-1877, members of St. Paul's
Reformed Church in Manhattan moved across the river into Brooklyn; and
WHEREAS, The congregation began to grow until the building could no
longer handle the attendance; and
WHEREAS, In 1909, another mission had begun in an empty store on
Jamaica Avenue in Richmond Hill; a few years later, as attendance grew
steadily, the congregation began to search for a permanent home for the
church; and
WHEREAS, The corner plot on Woodhaven Boulevard was purchased, as well
as a portable chapel; the incorporated name was changed to Emanuel Evan-
gelical Reformed Church of Woodhaven; and
WHEREAS, By 1922, the two congregations agreed to merge and the
construction began of the new building at 89th Avenue and Woodhaven
Boulevard, where the church remains to this day; by 1934, the congre-
gation had over 600 members; and
WHEREAS, Emanuel United Church of Christ 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
commemorate the 135th Anniversary of Emanuel United Church of Christ of
Woodhaven, Queens, New York, to be observed on May 6, 2012, fully confi-
dent 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 Emanuel United Church of Christ of Woodhaven, Queens, New
York.