Senate Resolution No. 2307

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMEMORATING the 150th Anniversary of St. John's
Episcopal Church of Massena, New York, to be
celebrated on September 15, 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, This Legislative Body takes pleasure in commemorating the
150th Anniversary of St. John's Episcopal Church of Massena, New York,
to be celebrated at an Open House with a multitude of activities
including social gatherings, displays, photos, shared memories and a
church tour of the windows and tapestry on Sunday, September 15, 2019;
and

WHEREAS, On June 21, 1868, the first regular Episcopal services were
held in the Town Hall; in 1869 a group of men met to organize a parish
and elect officers; by September 21st of the same year, steps were taken
to apply for admission to the Diocese of Albany, and on September 27,
1870, the parish was admitted; and

WHEREAS, Originally known as Great Shepherd Church, the name was
changed to St. John's Episcopal Church in January of 1872; 15 years
later the Gothic brick building was constructed, and in 1904, the
rectory was built next door; and

WHEREAS, St. John's Episcopal Church has been enriched by the
addition of the Armenian community, as well as the Lutherans who were
looking for a new home after their church closed in 1990; the
congregation was also enhanced with the addition of many industries
transferring to Massena; and

WHEREAS, The fellowship of St. John's Episcopal Church embraces all
people and the building is used by many groups and organizations
including a free-standing medical clinic for uninsured adults; and

WHEREAS, Throughout the last 150 years, St. John's Episcopal Church
has honored God through worship, study and prayer, pastoral care,
outreach and a variety of ecumenical endeavors; and

WHEREAS, Today, St. John's Episcopal 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 150th Anniversary of St. John's Episcopal Church, 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 St. John's Episcopal Church.