Senate Resolution No. 1889

BY: Senator MURPHY

COMMEMORATING the 300th Anniversary of the
Reformed Church of Cortlandtown of Montrose, New
York, to be celebrated on May 7, 2017

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 institutions and individuals who have contributed to
the ethical and spiritual values of their communities; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body takes pleasure in commemorating the
300th Anniversary of the Reformed Church of Cortlandtown of Montrose,
New York, to be celebrated with a ceremony on Sunday, May 7, 2017; and

WHEREAS, Founded in 1717, the Reformed Church of Cortlandtown first
built its own church in 1929, on 172 acres of land on Montrose Point;
and

WHEREAS, In 1795, 1.5 acres of land was given to the church, with
another 16 acres later donated for a cemetery; a new building was
constructed on this site between 1795 and 1799 and was used until June
7, 1970; and

WHEREAS, The chancel cross and bell were salvaged from the building
before it was demolished; the present building was built at the same
location and opened on March 28, 1971; and

WHEREAS, Since the opening of the current church building, a new
parsonage has been built, the church and Cedar Hill Hall have been
renovated, a nursery has been built in the church, and the Mustard Seed
shop has opened; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, the Reformed Church of Cortlandtown is home to
a privately-run pre-school; and

WHEREAS, The Reformed Church of Cortlandtown 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 300th Anniversary of the Reformed Church of Cortlandtown
of Montrose, New York, to be celebrated on May 7, 2017, 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
transmitted to the Reformed Church of Cortlandtown of Montrose, New
York.