LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 50th Anniversary of St. Mark's
Parish in Utica, 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 this Nation to pay
tribute to those esteemed places of worship which have contributed to
the ethical and spiritual values of their communities; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body takes pleasure in commemorating the
50th Anniversary of St. Mark's Parish in Utica, New York, to be cele-
brated at a special reception on Sunday, October 5, 2014; and
WHEREAS, St. Mark's Parish was first established a half a century ago
to meet the needs of a rapidly growing Catholic population in North
Utica; Bishop Cunningham of the Diocese of Syracuse divided the parish
of St. Peter's and created a new church community in its eastern
section; and
WHEREAS, Named after St. Peter's traveling companion in the spread of
the Gospel, St. Mark's Parish was founded by Father William Dwyer, who
directed the building of the church and served as its first pastor;
prior to construction, masses for the new parish were held in the base-
ment of St. Peter's; and
WHEREAS, On May 21, 1964, Father Dwyer celebrated the first service in
St. Mark's new church building, which was dedicated by Bishop Foery; it
has since grown into a vibrant and compassionate religious community;
and
WHEREAS, Thanks to the volunteering spirit and generosity of its
parishioners, numerous improvements have been made to church facilities,
including the addition of classrooms for religious education in the
1970s, construction of a new rectory in 1982, and a major sanctuary
restoration project in 1996; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the years, St. Mark's Parish has constantly
evolved to meet the needs of the people it so faithfully serves; and
WHEREAS, St. Mark's Parish 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 50th Anniversary of St. Mark's Parish, fully confident
that this commemoration reflects the belief in those values which
enhance the dignity and purpose of life; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Church of St. Mark's Parish, Utica, New York.