LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 150th Anniversary of St.
Stephen, the First Martyr Parish, Roman Catholic Church in Warwick, New
York

WHEREAS, Religious institutions, and the many spiritual, social and
educational benefits they confer, play a vital role in the development
of the moral fabric of a responsible citizenry; and
WHEREAS, It is the tradition of this State and Nation to pay tribute
to those institutions and individuals who have contributed strongly to
the ethical and spiritual values of their communities; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 150th Anniversary of St. Stephen, the First Martyr Parish,
Roman Catholic Church in Warwick, New York; and
WHEREAS, This momentous occasion will he celebrated with a Mass on
Sunday, August 11, 2015, with The Most Reverend Dominick J. Lagonegro,
Auxiliary Bishop of New York; a dinner dance will also be held on Satur-
day, October 24, 2015, at Kuhl's Highland House in Middletown, New York;
and
WHEREAS, In addition to its 150th Anniversary celebration, St. Steph-
en, the First Martyr Church will be commemorating the 50th Anniversary
of St. Stephen-St. Edward School, and the 25th Anniversary of the pres-
ent church edifice which was presented the 1995 Excellence in Religious
in Architecture Award from the American Institute of Architects; and
WHEREAS, These milestones will be celebrated with a Mass held on
Sunday, September 20, 2015, with Celebrant Timothy Cardinal Dolan, Arch-
bishop of New York; and
WHEREAS, Established in 1865, St. Stephen, the First Martyr Church has
a long and distinguished history of serving the spiritual needs of the
Warwick community; and
WHEREAS, Currently, this esteemed religious institution operates a
Knights of Columbus, Ladies Sodality group, and a Mother's Cupboard, as
well as a Mary's Meals, which raises funds for an adopted group in Afri-
ca; and
WHEREAS, St. Stephen, the First Martyr Church stands on the threshold
of tomorrow, prepared to meet the challenges of the coming decades while
retaining that spiritual resolve which characterizes its past; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to take note of
enduring religious institutions and to bring such institutions to the
attention of the people of this Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 150th Anniversary of St. Stephen, the First Martyr
Parish, Roman Catholic Church in Warwick, New York and be, it further
RESOLVED, That a copy or this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to St. Stephen, the First Martyr Parish, Roman Catholic Church.