LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring William S. White, Sr. upon the occasion
of his designation for special recognition by Mt. Olivet Baptist Church
of Hollis, 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 certain institutions and individuals who
distinguish themselves through their unrelenting commitment and preemi-
nence of service; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
William S. White, Sr. upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition by Mt. Olivet Baptist Church of Hollis, New York, to be
celebrated on Sunday, February 12, 2012; and
WHEREAS, This fine event is to acknowledge the esteemed service of Mt.
Olivet's first chairman of the board of trustees, William White, Sr.,
and to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the church; and
WHEREAS, Mt. Olivet Baptist Church of Hollis, New York, was organized
in 1962 and sustained early by the Sidberry, Jones and Price families;
initially under the visionary leadership of Reverend Phillip Hawkins,
the church filled a void becoming the first Baptist Church in the commu-
nity; and
WHEREAS, A devoted father of three and husband to Mrs. Gracie White,
William White, Sr. sent all three of his children to college and proudly
watched all of them graduate; originally from High Point, North Caroli-
na, he served his country in the United States Air Force as a radio
operator, mechanic and as an aircraft maintenance worker where he
received an honorable discharge; and
WHEREAS, A gentle, yet courageous man of purpose truly devoted to
public service, William White, Sr. is responsible for founding the
Olivet Education Ministry (OEC) and held the position for over 30 years;
OEC continuously infuses youth of the community with positive programs
emphasizing family values and self perseverance; he was also responsible
for establishing the senior choir and the Pastor's Aide Ministry; and
WHEREAS, William White, Sr. embodies societal spirit and is revered
throughout his community where he established the United Block Associ-
ation to keep women and children safe in his area; in addition, he has
received numerous awards for his achievements from Mt. Olivet Baptist
Church of Hollis and from his beloved community; and
WHEREAS, This distinguished man of God has brought an enlightened and
fruitful guidance to Mt. Olivet Baptist Church of Hollis and the Hollis
community; he serves with abundant care and dedication, and exemplifies
the vision of a church that for over 50 years has been a stalwart in its
community; and
WHEREAS, Ably led by Pastor James Barnwell III and august first chair-
man of the board, William White, Sr., Mt. Olivet Baptist Church contin-
ues to flourish as a result of the leadership's hard work and commit-
ment; now reaching a new and historic milestone with its 50th
anniversary, the church continues to serve and respond to the needs of
so many in the Hollis community; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor William S. White, Sr. upon the occasion of his designation for
special recognition by Mt. Olivet Baptist Church of Hollis, New York;
and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to William S. White, Sr. and Pastor James Barnwell III, Mt.
Olivet Baptist Church.