Assembly Resolution No. 254

BY: M. of A. Raynor

COMMEMORATING the 89th Anniversary of the Greater
Second Baptist Church of Freeport, New York, and
paying tribute to The Reverend Dr. Eric Charles
Mallette for 23 years of devoted service

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 is justly proud to commemorate the
89th Anniversary of the Greater Second Baptist Church of Freeport, New
York, and to pay tribute to The Reverend Dr. Eric Charles Mallette for
23 years of devoted service; and

WHEREAS, On April 6, 1930, Reverend E. M. Griffin, J. P. M.
Anderson, Homer Yearby, Ralph Eberhardt, George Bullock, Charles Nick,
Ossie Haynes, Margaret Gray, and Mary E. Tyes, answered the call of
Reverend Jones at his home, 80 Alexander Avenue in Freeport, New York;
and

WHEREAS, Within months, the mission moved to 154 East Merrick Road,
where a meeting was held on June 30, 1930, for the purpose of organizing
the mission into a church; this newly organized church was named Second
Baptist Church; and

WHEREAS, Reverend William Jones became the first pastor, serving
from 1930-1937, with Reverend E. M. Griffin as the Assistant Pastor; on
December 3, 1931, the church was incorporated and property located at
129 East Merrick Road, containing a small church building, was purchased
as the new site and church home on April 21, 1933; and

WHEREAS, Under the leadership of Reverend R. G. Harris (1938-1953),
indoor bathrooms and a new heating system were installed, new pews were
purchased, the existing mortgage was liquidated, and a parsonage was
purchased at 17 Helen Avenue; and

WHEREAS, The third pastor, Reverend F. H. Davis, served from 1953
until 1955, during which time the Alpha, Beta and Gamma clubs were
organized; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Dr. E. Mitchell Mallette (Bishop) served as the
fourth pastor from April of 1956, until his death on June 26, 1998;
ordained at just 16 years old, this extraordinary man's Gospel Preaching
acclaimed him a National and International Evangelist; and

WHEREAS, Today, the Greater Second Baptist Church is led by Reverend
Dr. Eric Charles Mallette, who was installed as Co-Pastor on June 16,
1996, and as Pastor after the death of Reverend Dr. E. Mitchell Mallette
in 1998; and


WHEREAS, Throughout his illustrious tenure thus far, Reverend Dr.
Eric Charles Mallette has enhanced the church's membership both
spiritually and numerically; he orchestrated the renaming and street
memorial sign dedication on the corner of Liberty Park to Dr. E.
Mitchell Mallette Drive, started boys and girls mentoring programs,
instituted weekly Bible study and formed a Golden Age Society for
seniors; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Dr. Eric Charles Mallette, by unanimous vote of
the entire membership of the Greater Second Baptist Church, was bestowed
the title of Lifetime Pastor on March 4, 2001; he has tremendous love
for his work and his commitment to the Lord is exemplified by his
teachings and actions; and

WHEREAS, Under the luminous direction of Reverend Dr. Eric Charles
Mallette, the Greater Second Baptist 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 89th Anniversary of the Greater Second Baptist Church of
Freeport, New York, and paying tribute to The Reverend Dr. Eric Charles
Mallette for 23 years of devoted service; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Reverend Dr. Eric Charles Mallette, Greater Second
Baptist Church.