LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Reverend Joseph H. Walston upon the
occasion of his retirement after 10 years of distinguished service to
the Calvary Fellowship African Methodist Episcopal Church on April 12,
2015

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 custom of this Legislative Body to bring full
recognition and just tribute to those individuals who distinguish them-
selves and the ministry through their unremitting 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
Reverend Joseph H. Walston upon the occasion of his retirement after 10
years of distinguished service to the Calvary Fellowship African Metho-
dist Episcopal Church in Brooklyn, New York, to be celebrated at a
reception, on Sunday, April 12, 2015; and
WHEREAS, Born and raised in Tarboro, North Carolina, Reverend Joseph
H. Walston proudly served his country as a member of the United States
Army from 1968-1970, 11 of those months in Vietnam; and
WHEREAS, Following his discharge, Reverend Joseph H. Walston moved to
New York City; in 1983, he became a member of the Bridge Street African
Wesleyan Methodist Episcopal (A.W.M.E.) Church in Brooklyn, and served
on the ministerial staff from 1985-1993; and
WHEREAS, In December of 1993, Reverend Joseph H. Walston and his fami-
ly left the Bridge Street A.W.M.E. to create a church congregation in
Clinton Hill, Brooklyn; the Fellowship Temple African Methodist Episco-
pal (A.M.E.) Church was officially established on February 21, 1994, in
the Chapel located at Pratt Institute, in Brooklyn; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Joseph H. Walston earned a Bachelor of Arts degree
in both Psychology and Religion from the College of New Rochelle, New
Rochelle, New York; he then went on to obtain a Masters of Divinity
degree from New York Theological Seminary in 1996; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Joseph H. Walston was employed by the State of New
York for 27 years, including 20 years at the Kingsboro Addiction Treat-
ment Center in Brooklyn; in addition, he serves as the Chief Executive
Officer of Promised Land Community Development Corporation; and
WHEREAS, Today, Reverend Joseph H. Walston is known as a gifted organ-
izer and administrator, and is deeply concerned for the spiritual empow-
erment of everyone; he is passionately devoted to leading the Fellowship
Temple A.M.E. Church; and
WHEREAS, For the past 10 years, Reverend Joseph H. Walston rendered
faithful, conscientious and valuable service to the Calvary Fellowship
African Methodist Episcopal Church, earning the admiration, esteem and
affection of his congregation and community; and
WHEREAS, In his capacity as Pastor, Reverend Joseph H. Walston served
with loyalty, honor and distinction, and was governed by a keen sense of
duty and always showed a unique grasp of human problems in his official
acts; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife of 30 years, Reverend
Carmen Hawkins-Walston, his four children, Christine, Tracey, Mashona,
and Joseph, two grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren, all of
whom feel privileged to be a part of his life and rejoice in his
achievements; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Joseph H. Walston has brought to his ministry an
overwhelming spirit of charity and compassion, acting from vision and
enlightenment in conducting his administrative and spiritual duties,
while always displaying the highest standards of personal and profes-
sional integrity and dedication; and
WHEREAS, This distinguished man of God has always given enlightenment,
guidance and wisdom to the many entrusted to his care and has adminis-
tered abundantly and unstintingly to the spiritual and corporal needs of
all; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Reverend Joseph H. Walston upon the occasion of his retirement,
noting his unremitting and compassionate faith and his exemplary service
to God, man, and his community, and extending to him 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 Joseph H. Walston.