2013-J3681
LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Reverend Inez L. Harding for her 30
years of devoted service to the St. Albans Baptist Church community
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to bring full recogni-
tion 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 commend Reverend
Inez L. Harding for her 30 years of devoted service to the St. Albans
Baptist Church community to be celebrated on Saturday, April 26, 2014,
at Antun's Catering Hall in Queens Village, New York; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Inez L. Harding was born in Richmond, Virginia, the
third of seven children born to the late Viola and Burnice Melton; after
graduating from high school, she moved to New York City to attain a
degree in business; and
WHEREAS, After working as a bookkeeper-secretary for nine years, the
then, Ms. Inez Melton, met her husband Reverend Curtis T. Harding in
1964; the couple had a short courtship and were married the next year;
and
WHEREAS, In 1984, Inez Harding joined her husband when he became
pastor of St. Albans Baptist Church; she quickly set up the new church
office and volunteered teaching Sunday school classes as well as start-
ing a hospitality ministry; and
WHEREAS, This remarkable woman soon became an invaluable part of the
St Albans Baptist Church community; she instituted the Christian Women's
Ministry, held workshops and organized Prayer Breakfasts; her women's
retreats have become a special aspect of parish life, with conferences
held in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania; and
WHEREAS, During this time, Inez L. Harding worked for New York Life
Insurance and attended Queens College, and the School of New Resources
and International Seminary; she graduated from New York Theological
Seminary in May, 2009, where she received a Certificate in Christian
Ministry; and
WHEREAS, Inez L. Harding was ordained a Reverend in November of 2009;
she is the Women's Adviser at St. Albans Baptist Church, and preaches on
Mother's Day in addition to other occasions; and
WHEREAS, With the help of her guidance, the St. Albans Baptist Church
has become actively involved in a number of charitable programs includ-
ing a food pantry which reaches over 300 people, as well as a soup
kitchen; and
WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her husband, Reverend Curtis T.
Harding, and their two children, as well as their two grandchildren, 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 always given enlight-
enment, guidance and wisdom to the many entrusted to her care and has
administered abundantly and unstintingly to the spiritual and corporal
needs of all; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom 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
commend Reverend Inez L. Harding for her 30 years of devoted service to
St. Albans Baptist Church, noting her unremitting and compassionate
faith and her exemplary service to God, man, and her community, and
extending to her the heartfelt best wishes of this Legislative Body for
a future of purposeful success and well-being; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Reverend Inez L. Harding.