Senate Resolution No. 462

BY: Senator COMRIE

CONGRATULATING The Reverend John E. Davis upon the
occasion of his retirement after more than four
decades of devoted service to the ministry

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
congratulate The Reverend John E. Davis upon the occasion of his
retirement after more than four decades of devoted service to the
ministry; and

WHEREAS, John E. Davis was born in Jacksonville, Florida on November
15, 1927, to the late Ernest Davis and Evangelist Janie L. Davis; the
family then relocated to Augusta, Georgia, where he was a member of
Trinity C.M.E Church, and attended P. H. Craig Elementary School and
Haines Normal Industrial Institute (NII); and

WHEREAS, A star athlete and member of Haines NII Class of 1947, John
E. Davis was the quarterback on the Football team, a guard on the
Basketball team and ran the 100-yard dash on the Track team; and

WHEREAS, John E. Davis and the former Eula Johnson were joined in
Holy Matrimony in 1949, and from their union, three children were born;
in 1952, this young family moved to Brooklyn, New York, where he became
the production manager for Biljoy Creations, a nationwide bridal house;
and

WHEREAS, In 1954, John E. Davis joined the Mt. Zion Baptist Church
where he served as a Trustee and eventually became Chairperson; in
addition, he gave tirelessly of his time and energies to the Youth
Department for 25 years, directing the choir and establishing the J.
Davis Choral Ensemble; and

WHEREAS, Called to the ministry in 1962 at his aunt's funeral in
Jacksonville, Florida, John E. Davis did not answer the call until
January 29, 1977, when he became empowered to do His will and preach the
unadulterated gospel; and

WHEREAS, Reverend John E. Davis was licensed at the Mt. Zion Baptist
Church by Reverend Alvin Barnett, and preached his first sermon on June
3, 1977; and

WHEREAS, On December 12, 1979, Reverend John E. Davis joined the
Brooklyn Baptist Evangelical Union where he served as financial and

recording secretary; during this time, he also attended the Eastern
Baptist School of Religion for two years; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to his
community, Reverend John E. Davis has provided vital Christian services
as a member of the South-East Queens Clergy For Community Empowerment
(SQCCE), and as past president of the Baptist Ministers of Queens and
Vicinity; and

WHEREAS, In 1991, Reverend John E. Davis was called to Pastor the
Greater St. John's Baptist Church, where under his able leadership, many
new members have joined the Church, the sick have been healed, new
auxiliaries have been organized, Deacons have been ordained, Deaconesses
have been set aside, and a Minister has been licensed; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, Reverend John E. Davis was instrumental in the
church's growth both spiritually and financially; the mortgage was paid
off in just two and half years on August 29, 1993, and extensive
physical work has been done to expand the building to fit the needs of
the growing congregation; and

WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife of 62 years, Eula,
and their three children, Valencia, John Jr. and Sharon, as well as six
grandchildren, Alia, Alexis, Dana, Danielle, John Harrison and Kylie,
and seven great-grandchildren, Dominique, Marissa, Courtney, Alia, Kyle,
Austin and Aaron, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of his life
and rejoice in his many achievements; and

WHEREAS, Reverend John E. Davis 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 custom 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
congratulate Reverend John E. Davis, 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 John E. Davis.