Assembly Resolution No. 565

BY: M. of A. Manktelow

COMMEMORATING the 40th Anniversary of the Hannibal
Community Center

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that
the quality and character of life in the communities across New York
State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those
organizations that would devote themselves to the welfare of the
community and its citizenry; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the Hannibal Community Center to be
celebrated at an event in November of 2019; and

WHEREAS, Housed in a building located on Oswego Street, the Hannibal
Community Center has served as a meeting place for individuals aged
three to 103 for four decades; and

WHEREAS, Originally, the Community Center was known as the Hannibal
Baptist Church which was built in 1827; after the Baptist and
Presbyterian churches federated in 1926 to form Community Church, the
Community House became the center of the social life of the church and,
to a lesser extent, the community; and

WHEREAS, In 1968, an inspection of the building revealed that the
north wall had dangerously deteriorated and the building was condemned;
at the time, the congregation of Community Church did not have the
necessary funds to repair the building and many residents of the village
felt that the historic structure should not be destroyed; and

WHEREAS, A committee, headed by Bank Manager, Paul Elkie, was formed
in 1976, with the purpose of exploring ways to save the building; after
it was disbanded, Mayor Robert Simmons appointed another committee to
continue working on saving the historic structure; and

WHEREAS, On May 11, 1978, the committee met, named itself the
Landmark Committee, and elected the following officers: President, Roz
Hastings; Vice President, Robert Hooper; Secretary, Lois Chaffee; and
Treasurer, Bea Scott; and

WHEREAS, This committee and other members of the community
successfully navigated the process of obtaining funds, arranging for
occupants, hiring a contractor and holding a dedication ceremony on
November 16, 1979; and

WHEREAS, Throughout the past 40 years, the Hannibal Community Center
has provided many social services including youth development, senior
support, family stabilization, health and education, and access to
community connections; today, the building houses the Hannibal Free
Library; The Senior Nutrition Site and Elderberries, Hannibal's senior
citizens group; and the Hannibal Historical Society; and

WHEREAS, This vital not-for-profit organization believes in quality,
community and collaboration, and these values have been the foundation
and inspiration for the Hannibal Community Center since its founding;
and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens
of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the Hannibal Community Center; and
be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably embossed, be
transmitted to the Hannibal Community Center.