Senate Resolution No. 988

BY: Senator COMRIE

COMMENDING The Reverend Dr. Henry T. Simmons upon
the occasion of stepping down after 28 years of
devoted service to the Saint Albans Congregational
Church

WHEREAS, The character and richness of religious and community life
in this noble Empire State is nourished and fulfilled through the
faithful concern and selfless devotion of those who would commit their
energies and purpose to the ministry of others; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to bring full
recognition and just tribute to those individuals who distinguish
themselves and the ministry through their unremitting commitment and
preeminence of service; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend The Reverend Dr. Henry T. Simmons upon the occasion of stepping
down after 28 years of devoted service to the Saint Albans
Congregational Church to be celebrated on Sunday, April 28, 2019, with
the Reverend's Final Worship Services; and

WHEREAS, A native of High Point, North Carolina, Henry T. Simmons
received his undergraduate degree from North Carolina Central
University; he went on to earn a Master of Divinity degree from Howard
University; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Dr. Henry T. Simmons began his professional
ministry as an Associate Minister at Peoples Congregational United
Church of Christ in Washington, D.C., and after four years, served as
the Senior Minister at Mayflower Congregational Church in Detroit; and

WHEREAS, Installed as Senior Minister at St. Albans Congregational
Church in 1991, Reverend Dr. Henry T. Simmons' broad background,
experience, and phenomenal energy and effective leadership elevated the
church to new heights; and

WHEREAS, Known for his preaching, and his dynamic, powerful sermons,
the sanctuary would fill to beyond capacity at each worship service; to
accommodate the crowds, a second Sunday morning worship service was
added just months after Reverend Dr. Henry T. Simmons' arrival; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Dr. Henry T. Simmons' masterful teaching increased
interest, attendance and commitment to adult Bible study; his "Nine
Point Vision" for the church included the need for more space to house
growing ministries and programs; subsequently, the RRJ Family Life
Center was expanded in 2003 to include a third floor; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his illustrious tenure, Reverend Dr. Henry T.
Simmons' vision has also given rise to a growing, faith-driven church,
where membership has grown, and ministries have increased to serve
members and the community; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, exciting new initiatives and services
supporting outreach and church needs are in place through active
ministries and groups, including the Enriching Our Elders Ministry and
Because We Care Food Pantry; he also established the Saturday Jazz
Communion Vespers each month; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Dr. Henry T. Simmons' dedication, hard work, and
expertise have earned him two Honorary Doctorate degrees from Ursinus
College and Huston Tillotson College; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Dr. Henry T. Simmons has brought to his ministry
an overwhelming spirit of charity and compassion, acting from vision and
enlightenment in conducting his administrative and spiritual duties,
while always displaying the highest standards of personal and
professional integrity and dedication; and

WHEREAS, This distinguished man of God has always given
enlightenment, guidance and wisdom to the many entrusted to his care and
has administered abundantly and unstintingly to the spiritual and
corporal needs of all; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when a person
of such noble aims and accomplishments is brought to our attention it is
appropriate to publicly and jubilantly proclaim and commend that
individual for the edification of others; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend The Reverend Dr. Henry T. Simmons upon the occasion of stepping
down after 28 years of devoted service to the Saint Albans
Congregational Church, noting his unremitting and compassionate faith
and his exemplary service to God, man, and his community, and extending
to him the heartfelt best wishes of this Legislative Body for a future
of purposeful success and well-being; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Reverend Dr. Henry T. Simmons, Saint Albans
Congregational Church, Jamaica, New York.