Senate Resolution No. 2652

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMEMORATING the 200th Anniversary of the St.
Stephen's Episcopal Church in New Hartford, 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
200th Anniversary of the St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in New Hartford,
New York, celebrated on Sunday, June 2, 2024; and

WHEREAS, The founder of New Hartford, Jedediah Sanger, purchased the
land for and funded the initial construction of the St. Stephen's
Episcopal Church in 1825; the institution serves as the second oldest
church in the town; and

WHEREAS, Named after Saint Stephen, one of the first deacons of the
church, the St. Stephen's Episcopal Church has adapted to an
ever-changing society and prides itself in its ability to thrive; and

WHEREAS, Devoted to the community in which it serves, the St.
Stephen's Episcopal Church participates in a myriad of outreach and
community service efforts, such as weekly spaghetti dinners for
socializing, "Ashes to-go" on Ash Wednesday, and donating to local
charities and organizations that help disadvantaged people; and

WHEREAS, The St. Stephen's Episcopal 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 200th Anniversary of the St. Stephen's Episcopal Church
in New Hartford, 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 The Reverend Kathlyn Schofield The Reverend Deacon Lynne
Walton, St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in New Hartford, New York.