LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating The Reverend Vernon A. Victorson
upon the occasion of his retirement as Pastor of First Lutheran Church
in Albany, New York

WHEREAS, The character and richness of religious and community life in
this noble Empire State is nourished and fulfilled through the faithful
concern and selfless devotion of those who would commit their energies
and purpose to the ministry of others; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to bring full recog-
nition and just tribute to those individuals who distinguish themselves
and the ministry through their unremitting commitment and preeminence of
service; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate The
Reverend Vernon A. Victorson upon the occasion of his retirement as
Pastor of First Lutheran Church in Albany, New York; and
WHEREAS, Since the year 2000, The Reverend Vernon A. Victorson has
been the Pastor of the First Lutheran Church in Albany, New York; the
Church is the oldest continuous Lutheran congregation in the United
States, formed in 1649 by Dutch settlers; and
WHEREAS, Retiring from being Pastor of First Lutheran Church in Alba-
ny, New York, at the end of June 2011, The Reverend Vernon A. Victorson
previously served as Pastor at both St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran
Church in Williamsville, New York, (1987-2000), and Our Saviour Lutheran
Church in Utica, New York, (1977-1987); and
WHEREAS, In addition, The Reverend Vernon A. Victorson served as
Pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Castleton-on-Hudson, New York; his
ministry also included service at Internship Church of Reformation in
Washington, D.C.; and
WHEREAS, A founding member of Cooperative Christian Ministry in
Castleton-on-Hudson, New York, Reverend Vernon A. Victorson served on
the Board of Martin Lutheran Nursing Home in Central New York and the
Niagara Lutheran Home Board in Buffalo, New York; he was also active in
Camping Ministry and on the Synod's Outdoor Ministry Committee; he
served as a Board member for both the Vanderkamp and Lake Chautauqua
Lutheran Center; and
WHEREAS, Currently, Reverend Vernon A. Victorson is the Acting Dean
for the Hudson/Mohawk Conference and a Board member of both the Albany
Maritime Ministry for the Port of Albany and South Mall Towers; he is a
Board member and Chair for the Capital Area Council of Churches; and
WHEREAS, Actively involved with the issue of homelessness in Albany,
New York, since 2003, Reverend Vernon A. Victorson has chaired the over-
sight committee of Albany's homeless shelter, a ministry of the Capital
Area Council of Churches; and
WHEREAS, The Reverend Vernon A. Victorson has served on Campus Minis-
try Boards at Syracuse University and at the State University of New
York at Buffalo, and has actively supported the work of the Campus
Ministry at the State University of New York at Albany; and
WHEREAS, The recipient of a 2011 Distinguished Alumnus Award by the
Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, Reverend Vernon A. Victorson was
honored with its Excellence in Parish Ministry Award in recognition of
his exemplary leadership within the parish setting especially in the
areas of preaching and pastoral care; he also received the 2011
Outstanding Neighborhood Community Member Award from the State Universi-
ty of New York at Albany; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Reverend Vernon A. Victorson is the recipient of
the 2003 Joyce Giles Pastoral Award for outstanding pastoral ministry by

the Capital Area Council of Churches; in 2006, he received an Honorable
Mention by the Committee on University and Community Relations; and
WHEREAS, A graduate of Gustavus Adolphus College with a B.A. degree in
1966, Reverend Vernon A. Victorson received his Master of Divinity
degree from the Lutheran School of Theology, Chicago, in 1971; he also
attended the Appalachian Regional School for Church Leaders at West
Virginia University; he was ordained on June 27, 1971; and
WHEREAS, Married to Kathleen (Kay) Ford in 1970, Reverend Victorson
and she are the proud parents of three adult children, Mary Kate,
Birgetta and Brendan; they are also the loving grandparents of four
beloved grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when a person
of such noble aims and accomplishments is brought to our attention it is
appropriate to publicly and jubilantly proclaim and commend that indi-
vidual for the edification of others; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate The Reverend Vernon A. Victorson upon the occasion of his
retirement as Pastor of First Lutheran Church in Albany, New York; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution; suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Reverend Vernon A. Victorson.