LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION Commending the Frederick Douglass Memorial AME
Zion Church in Elmira, New York, upon the occasion of celebrating its
175th Anniversary

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 it is the sense of
this Legislative Body to recognize that the quality of life in communi-
ties across the great State of New York are reflective of these exem-
plary institutions dedicated to serving the community's needs; and
WHEREAS, It is the tradition of this Legislative Body to pay tribute
to these enduring places of worship within the State of New York whose
spiritual mission and longevity have formed a bedrock of faith and
inspiration for generations; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
the Frederick Douglass Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church
upon the occasion of its 175th Anniversary which was celebrated on
Saturday, April 23, 2016, in Elmira, New York; and
WHEREAS, In 1838, according to one local historian, Frederick Doug-
lass, escaping slavery, was taken into the home of Jervis Langdon and
his wife in Millport, New York, thereby establishing a lifelong and deep
connection to Elmira, which he would visit many times over the coming
decades as he became one of America's foremost abolitionists, orators,
writers and statesmen; and
WHEREAS, In 1839, at the Elmira Armory on East Church Street in Elmi-
ra, eight former slaves heard the young Frederick Douglass deliver a
speech and were inspired to establish a church; in 1840, the Frederick
Douglass A.M.E. Zion Church was established and, following the death of
Frederick Douglass in 1895, it was renamed the Frederick Douglass Memo-
rial A.M.E. Zion Church; and
WHEREAS, The history of this illustrious place of worship has become
widely known and revered for its local, statewide and national influence
and commitment; for the past 175 years, this abiding congregation has
stood fast through nearly two centuries of tremendous cultural, social
and political change, always staying true to its origins and its commit-
ment to equality for African Americans and, in fact, in its pursuit of a
world of dignity, freedom, peace and strength; and
WHEREAS, Since 1840, this extraordinary congregation has continued its
exalted work and played its part in historical events, including serving
as a station on Harriet Tubman's legendary Underground Railroad which
carried so many out of slavery into freedom, and its venerable pulpit
has played host to some of the finest preachers, orators and political
leaders, including New York State Governor Theodore Roosevelt; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the generations of its existence, the Frederick
Douglass Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church has enjoyed numerous occasions to
pause to celebrate its origins; to offer thanks and praise for its rich
and storied life; and, in honor of its founders, pay tribute to the
members of the church and community who have made such enduring, signif-
icant and vital contributions to the life, diversity and strength of the
Elmira and Chemung County communities; and
WHEREAS, This remarkable institution has admirably met the diverse
needs of area individuals and families; its singular mission has been a
labor of love for a long line of distinguished and devoted Reverends,
staff and congregants, past and present, who have secured an enduring
place in the life of this community, serving as essential points of
service, compassion and civic pride; and

WHEREAS, Steeped in such a meaningful and worthwhile history, Reverend
Michael D. Bell and the present-day congregation of the Frederick Doug-
lass Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church should take just pride in its purpose-
ful growth as it looks forward to continuing to serve so many of the
essential and fundamental needs of the community; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Frederick Douglass Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Zion
Church upon the occasion of its 175th Anniversary, and stands 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 Reverend Michael D. Bell, Frederick Douglass Memorial A.M.E.
Zion Church.