LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Blonia Chatmon-Sidberry upon the occa-
sion of her 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
Blonia Chatmon-Sidberry upon the occasion of her 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 Charter Member, Blonia Chatmon-Sidberry, and to commem-
orate 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, Blonia Chatmon, the daughter of the late Lee Isaac and Mary
E. Jackson was born in Talucah, Alabama; raised in a Christian home,
she was educated in the local school system and graduated from Morgan
County High School; and
WHEREAS, In 1961, Blonia Chatmon left Alabama, moved to Hollis, Queens
and joined the Mt. Olivet Baptist Church of Hollis; in 1962, she became
a Charter Member and while at Mt. Olivet, she met and married her
husband of nearly 50 years Daniel W. Sidberry; and
WHEREAS, Blonia Chatmon believed in her commitment to God and the
church; she served faithfully as a Sunday School Teacher, Chaplain of
the Pastor's Aide Club, Chairlady for the Youth Division for Women's
Day, Supervisor for the Junior Choir and as a Senior Choir member; and
WHEREAS, Ordained as a Deaconess, Blonia Chatmon remained steadfast in
her service and was appointed Secretary for the Building Fund of the new
Mt. Olivet Baptist Church Edifice on 202-03 Hollis Avenue; from there,
she was later promoted to become Administrative Assistant Secretary; and
WHEREAS, Blonia Chatmon labors daily as a Missionary serving the needs
of the sick and poor in the church and community; a few years ago, she
voluntarily took on the leadership role as the Worship Leader for the
weekly prayer meeting and last year, was appointed as Chairlady of the
Deaconess Ministry; and
WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her husband, Daniel, and their
children Marva and Robert, as well as their grandchildren, Robert Jr.,
Monique, Kyle and Tyrel, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of her
life and rejoice in her achievements; and
WHEREAS, This distinguished woman of God has brought an enlightened
and fruitful guidance to Mt. Olivet Baptist Church of Hollis and the
Hollis community; she 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 first Charter
Member, Blonia Chatmon-Sidberry, Mt. Olivet Baptist Church continues to

flourish as a result of the leadership's hard work and commitment; 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 Blonia Chatmon-Sidberry upon the occasion of her 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 Blonia Chatmon-Sidberry, and Pastor James Barnwell III, Mt.
Olivet Baptist Church.