Senate Resolution No. 2140

BY: Senator PHILLIPS

COMMEMORATING the 80th Anniversary of St. Paul A.
M. E. Zion Church of Great Neck, New York, on June
9, 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
80th Anniversary of St. Paul A. M. E. Zion Church of Great Neck, New
York, to be celebrated at a Black Tie Banquet on Friday, June 9, 2017;
and

WHEREAS, In addition, hundreds of people will gather together to
acknowledge this auspicious milestone at a Celebration Gospel Concert on
Saturday, June 10, 2017, and an 80th Anniversary Worship Experience on
Sunday, June 11, 2017; and

WHEREAS, Founded in 1937, St. Paul A. M. E. Zion Church has strived
to bring the black community together and build bridges with other
communities in Great Neck; and

WHEREAS, The Church has accomplished this goal through its
partnership with the Great Neck clergy as hosts of the Annual Dr. martin
Luther King Holiday Observation, and through their vital work with the
Great Neck Clergy Association which represents churches and synagogues
of all ethnic backgrounds; and

WHEREAS, In addition, St. Paul A. M. E. Zion Church formed the
Ethnic Coalition of the Town of North Hempstead with Temple Emmanuel;
this vital organization works with several communities outside of Great
Neck; and

WHEREAS, Today, under the luminous leadership of Reverend Kathleen
N. Edwards, the faithful congregation of St. Paul A. M. E. Zion Church
remains committed to providing a welcoming place of worship for the
residents of Great Neck, and the surrounding region; and

WHEREAS, St. Paul A. M. E. Zion 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 80th Anniversary of St. Paul A. M. E. Zion Church of
Great Neck, New York, to be observed on June 9, 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 Reverend Kathleen N. Edwards, Pastor, St. Paul A. M.
E. Zion Church.