Senate Resolution No. 2598

BY: Senator COMRIE

CONGRATULATING Reverend Margarett Elaine McCollins
Flake, D. Min., upon the occasion of her retirement,
as Senior Pastor, after many years of distinguished
ministry to the Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral

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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate
Reverend Margarett Elaine McCollins Flake, D. Min., upon the occasion of
her retirement, as Senior Pastor, after many years of distinguished
ministry to the Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral in New York City, on
Sunday, June 2, 2024; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Margarett Elaine McCollins Flake, D. Min., earned
her Bachelor of Arts in English degree from Fisk University in
Nashville, Tennessee; from Boston University, she earned her Master of
Arts in English degree, and she obtained her Master of Divinity degree
from Union Theological Seminary in New York City; from United
Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio, she was awarded the Doctor of
Ministry degree; and

WHEREAS, Fondly called "Reverend Elaine" by her congregation,
Reverend Margarett Elaine McCollins Flake founded the Allen Christian
School with her husband, Reverend Doctor Floyd H. Flake, in 1982; since
1983, she has served as Advisor to the Missionary Department, as well as
many other ministries, at Allen Women's Resource Center, which houses
women and children who are victims of domestic violence, the
organization she helped to develop; and

WHEREAS, Recognized as a powerful preacher, teacher, and role model
with a gift for reaching worshipers of all ages, Reverend Margarett
Elaine McCollins Flake makes a powerful impact on the countless lives
she touches; until May of 2020, she co-pastored the Greater Allen A.M.E.
Cathedral, receiving the appointment of Senior Pastor upon her husband's
retirement; she has dedicated her life to the betterment of others by
leading in Christian education, evangelism, and outreach ministries; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Margarett Elaine McCollins Flake proudly serves as
Advisor and Coordinator of the Allen Women's Ministry Department,
hosting an annual retreat which is attended by more than 1,000 women who
journey across the country and from the Caribbean; she has been a
significant influence in the growing membership of the Greater Allen
A.M.E. Cathedral, presently numbering more than 15,000 worshipers; and

WHEREAS, Throughout the years, Reverend Margarett Elaine McCollins
Flake rendered faithful, conscientious, and valuable ministry to the
residents of New York City and its neighboring communities; she mentors
numerous leaders in the New York City area and frequently accepts
invitations to speak at events throughout the country; she also serves
on several community boards; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Margarett Elaine McCollins Flake, as well as her
husband, has authored and/or contributed to several books; she has
received numerous citations and awards for her years of service and
ministry; in March of 2017, she received the Distinguished Alumni Award
from Union Theological Seminary and is an inductee of Morehouse
College's Martin Luther King, Jr., Board of Preachers; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Margarett Elaine McCollins Flake is a proud member
of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and the National Council of Negro
Women, Inc., as well as the current National Chaplain of The Links,
Incorporated; and

WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her husband of 47 years,
Reverend Doctor Floyd H. Flake; their children, Aliya, Nailah, Robert
Rasheed, and Harold Hasan; and their granddaughter, Nia Renee, all of
whom feel privileged to be a part of her life and rejoice in her
achievements; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Margarett Elaine McCollins Flake, D. Min., has
brought an overwhelming spirit of charity and compassion to her ministry
and community, acting from vision and enlightenment in conducting her
administrative and spiritual duties, while always displaying the highest
standards of personal and professional integrity and dedication; and

WHEREAS, This distinguished woman of God has always given
enlightenment, guidance, and wisdom to the many entrusted to her 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
individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, it is appropriate to publicly and jubilantly proclaim and
commend those individuals for the edification of others; now, therefore,
be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Reverend Margarett Elaine McCollins Flake, D. Min., upon
the occasion of her retirement, as Senior Pastor, after many years of
distinguished ministry to the Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral in New York
City, on June 2, 2024, and extend to her 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 Reverend Margarett Elaine McCollins Flake, D. Min.