LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending The Reverend Richard Lawson, upon the
occasion of his retirement after more than 25 years of distinguished
service to the New Canaan Baptist Church, Brooklyn, 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 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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend The Reverend
Richard Lawson, upon the occasion of his retirement after more than 25
years of distinguished service to the New Canaan Baptist Church, Brook-
lyn, New York; and
WHEREAS, As a young man, Richard Lawson was an active member of the
Tabernacle Baptist Church; after graduating from Boys Vocational and
Technical High School, he served his country proudly as a member of the
United States Army for six years until he was honorably discharged in
1964; and
WHEREAS, Following the completion of his military service, this
esteemed man joined the Pentecostal House of Prayer, where his father
was Pastor; he began his preparations for the ministry by enrolling in
the Manhattan Bible Institute; and
WHEREAS, Upon graduating from Manhattan Bible Institute, Reverend
Lawson ably served as Vice-President of the Manhattan Bible Institute
Alumni Association; and
WHEREAS, With a strong desire to serve others, The Reverend Richard
Lawson joined the New Canaan Baptist Church as an Associate Minister;
subsequently, he was ordained to be a licensed Baptist Preacher by the
New Canaan Baptist Church Deacon Board; and
WHEREAS, In March of 1989, Reverend Richard Lawson was called as
Pastor of the New Canaan Baptist Church where he has since served with
loyalty, honor, and distinction; and
WHEREAS, The Reverend Dr. Richard Lawson 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; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Ann, and their four
children, Richard Jr., Craig, Donna, and Tresslyn, all of whom are proud
to be part of his life and rejoice in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when religious
leaders of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend The Reverend Dr. Richard Lawson upon the occasion of his retire-
ment after more than 25 years of distinguished service to the New Canaan
Baptist Church, and to wish him all the best in his future endeavors;
and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Reverend Dr. Richard Lawson.