Senate Resolution No. 2770

BY: Senator RANZENHOFER

HONORING The Reverend Dr. Gregory Hall upon the
occasion of his designation as recipient of the
Citizen of the Year Award by the Clarence Chamber of
Commerce on March 5, 2020

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those distinguished citizens who would devote their life's work
and purpose to community service, contributing to the welfare of the
citizens of their communities and this great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
The Reverend Dr. Gregory Hall upon the occasion of his designation as
recipient of the Citizen of the Year Award by the Clarence Chamber of
Commerce, to be celebrated at its 48th Annual Awards Dinner on Thursday,
March 5, 2020, at Samuel's Grande Manor, Williamsville, New York; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Dr. Gregory Hall is receiving this prestigious
award for his steadfast and unremitting commitment to his beloved
community of Clarence, New York; and

WHEREAS, Born and raised in Bedford, New York, Gregory Hall received
his Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Lawrence University, his Master of
Divinity degree from Princeton Seminary, and his Doctor of Ministry
degree from McCormick Seminary in Chicago; and

WHEREAS, Ordained into the Presbyterian Church in 1980, Reverend Dr.
Gregory Hall has served as the Minister at Clarence Presbyterian Church
since 2001; in this capacity, he led a major renovation project which
resulted in a new Sanctuary being built in 2009; and

WHEREAS, Under the luminous direction of Reverend Dr. Gregory Hall,
the congregation of Clarence Presbyterian Church continues to play a
vital role in the success of several community projects, including the
Community Food Pantry, which now regularly serves 80 local families in
need; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, this remarkable man led church members in
collaboration with the Clarence School District and other community
groups to raise more than $75,000 to build a school for boys and girls
in Afghanistan; and

WHEREAS, A true asset to his community, Reverend Dr. Gregory Hall
has been an active Rotarian for 31 years; he also presently serves as
Vice President of the Board of Gigi's Playhouse, an organization which
opens in March of 2020, and will provide programs and support for
children, youth and adults with Down Syndrome and their families; and

WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife of 41 years,
Kathleen, and their daughter, Rachel (Mike), as well as two
grandchildren, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of his life and
rejoice in his many achievements; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which Reverend Dr. Gregory Hall has
displayed throughout his life; and

WHEREAS, It has always been the objective of this Legislative Body
to honor and support those individuals who have displayed their
commitment to the betterment of their communities, and it is the intent
of this Legislative Body to inscribe upon its records, this tribute to
Reverend Dr. Gregory Hall, that future generations may know and
appreciate his admirable character, his many benevolent deeds, and the
respect and esteem in which he is held by his peers; now, therefore, be
it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor The Reverend Dr. Gregory Hall upon the occasion of his designation
as recipient of the Citizen of the Year Award by the Clarence Chamber of
Commerce, and to wish him well in all his future endeavors; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Reverend Dr. Gregory Hall.