Senate Resolution No. 2341

BY: Senator MAYER

COMMEMORATING the 100th Anniversary of First
Baptist Church of Mamaroneck, New York

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 takes pleasure in commemorating the
100th Anniversary of the First Baptist Church of Mamaroneck, New York;
and

WHEREAS, First Baptist Church had been heavily damaged by Hurricane
Ida in September of 2021; the horrific storm devastated Washingtonville,
the 125-acre neighborhood within Mamaroneck, known as the Flats,
predominantly lower income people of color; and

WHEREAS, According to planning documents for Washingtonville, dating
back several decades, the area was prone to flooding; however, the
intensity and magnitude of Hurricane Ida's deluge on the night of
September 1, 2021, was unprecedented; and

WHEREAS, Hurricane Ida caused the most devastating flooding in
Washingtonville's recent history with a cost of $100 million, affecting
more than 500 homes and destroying 310 vehicles; and

WHEREAS, First Baptist Church, which was built in 1938, is situated
only a few feet from the Mamaroneck River; since its inception, the
church has endured many storms but none as destructive as Hurricane Ida;
and

WHEREAS, This river overflowed its banks during the hurricane,
tearing a hole into the back of the church and filling the sanctuary
with murky water; a wall outside the church was demolished by the
strength of the floodwaters; although the stained glass windows survived
the torrents, the interior of the building required the removal of
rotting pews and carpeting; and

WHEREAS, Donations from the community aided in the rebuilding of the
church which cost $250,000; the renovation was completed in only seven
months, allowing the church to reopen its doors on Easter Sunday, April
17, 2022; and

WHEREAS, A flood risk management plan by the United States Army
Corps of Engineers, in conjunction with actions taken by officials in
Mamaroneck, could mitigate future devastation; however, there is no
clear timeline presently, perpetuating the uncertainty of the citizens
of the community; and

WHEREAS, The residents of Mamaroneck have exemplified the resilience
and determination necessary for rebuilding and moving forward; defeat
was not an option; compassion, kindness, and benevolence triumphed over
loss, despair, and hopelessness; and

WHEREAS, Reverend James E. Taylor, Pastor of First Baptist Church
for 35 years, led the Easter service for the excited and grateful
worshipers who convened in celebration of new life and a new church; the
faithful members of this pillar of the community would feel the
fellowship they had desired and greatly missed; 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 100th Anniversary of First Baptist Church of Mamaroneck,
New York, fully confident that this commemoration reflects the belief in
those values which enhance the dignity and purpose of life; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to First Baptist Church.