Senate Resolution No. 1708

BY: Senator PARKER

COMMENDING Vanderveer Park United Methodist Church
upon the occasion of hosting its 2nd Annual Seniors
Luncheon on June 2, 2019

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, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Vanderveer Park United Methodist Church upon the occasion of
hosting its 2nd Annual Seniors Luncheon on Sunday, June 2, 2019; and

WHEREAS, Located in Brooklyn, New York, Vanderveer Park United
Methodist Church has enjoyed a rich history of enriching lives
spiritually, while fighting for civil rights and social justice
throughout the Church's existence; and

WHEREAS, Vanderveer Park United Methodist Church has not only
survived, but thrived, due to the great contributions of its senior
citizens, who are truly the history of the church; and

WHEREAS, After moving to Vanderveer Park, New York, in 1897, Howard
E. Sands and several other individuals decided to form a Sunday School
and a church; a committee was formed, a meeting place was rented, and
the first session of Sunday School was held at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday,
September 2, 1900, with 44 scholars, followed by the first session of
church at 11:00 a.m.; and

WHEREAS, On Wednesday evening October 17, 1900, the church was
formally organized in the Chapel led by Reverend Dr. James E. Chadwick,
Presiding Elder of the Brooklyn South District, and was named Vanderveer
Park Methodist Episcopal Church; and

WHEREAS, On July 10, 1902, ground was broken for a new church, and
on October 12, 1902, the Chapel opened its doors to the public; as the
congregation grew, the cornerstone of a service building was laid on
March 15, 1925; and

WHEREAS, Through the years, the Vanderveer Park United Methodist
Church endured World War I, the Great Depression, and a three alarm fire
on June 28, 1974; today, under the luminous direction of Pastor Kirk D.
Lyons, Vanderveer Park United Methodist 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
commend Vanderveer Park United Methodist Church upon the occasion of
hosting its 2nd Annual Seniors Luncheon on June 2, 2019; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Pastor Kirk D. Lyons, Vanderveer Park United Methodist
Church, Brooklyn, New York.