Senate Resolution No. 1655

BY: Senator PARKER

HONORING Antioch Baptist Church upon the occasion
of the 24th Pastoral Anniversary of the Faithful
Leadership of Rev. Dr. Robert M. Waterman

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those houses of worship and spiritual leaders whose steadfast
commitment to faith, service, and community uplift has strengthened the
moral and civic fabric of our State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Antioch Baptist Church upon the celebration of its 24th Pastoral
Anniversary, recognizing the devoted leadership of Rev. Dr. Robert M.
Waterman; and

WHEREAS, Founded in 1918 under the visionary leadership of Reverend
Moses Prophet Paylor, D.D., Antioch Baptist Church has stood for more
than 107 years as a pillar of faith, resilience, and community
empowerment in Brooklyn, guiding generations through worship, education,
and service; and

WHEREAS, From its early days on Fleet Street to its enduring
presence at 828 Greene Avenue in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Antioch has grown
into one of Brooklyn's most prominent African-American congregations,
welcoming civil rights leaders, elected officials, cultural icons, and
faithful worshippers through its doors, and remaining a beacon of
spiritual strength and social progress; and

WHEREAS, Following a distinguished pastoral lineage that includes
Reverend George Lawrence, a noted civil rights leader and associate of
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; Reverend Phillip E. Elliott, who expanded
Antioch's community partnerships; and Reverend D. Darrell Griffin, who
advanced restoration and development efforts, Antioch in 2001 was
divinely guided to call Rev. Dr. Robert M. Waterman as its fifth pastor;
and

WHEREAS, Rev. Dr. Robert M. Waterman, affectionately known as
"Pastor Rob," began his service at Antioch on November 4, 2001, and was
officially installed in February 2002, bringing with him youthful
exuberance, spiritual fervor, and an unwavering commitment to excellence
in ministry; and

WHEREAS, A native son of Brooklyn, shaped by both Pentecostal and
Baptist traditions, Pastor Rob has faithfully pursued theological
scholarship alongside his pastoral calling, earning a Master of Divinity
from New York Theological Seminary in 2003 and a Doctorate of Ministry
from Drew University in 2009, embodying his belief that if a thing is
worth doing, it is worth doing right and well; and

WHEREAS, Under his guiding scripture, Ephesians 2:14, Pastor Rob has
labored to strengthen both the internal life of the church and the
surrounding Bedford-Stuyvesant community, challenging Antioch not only

to grow spiritually within its walls but to serve boldly beyond them;
and

WHEREAS, His transformative leadership has included the
revitalization of Youth Ministry, the re-institution of Christian
Education, the establishment of leadership classes and retreats, the
revival of Antioch Community Services for youth and seniors, and the
licensing and ordination of more than 50 clergy leaders between 2014 and
2024; and

WHEREAS, Pastor Rob spearheaded major renovations to the sanctuary
and fellowship spaces, launched the innovative "Tent Ministry" revivals
and youth conferences, enhanced worship through technological
improvements, and witnessed approximately 100 new believers annually
join the Antioch family, earning him the affectionate title, "The
Preacher of Thunder"; and

WHEREAS, Beyond the pulpit, Pastor Rob has demonstrated exemplary
civic engagement as Director of Career Management Services at Medgar
Evers College, Community Board 3 member and former Transportation
Committee Chair, Ecumenical leader, President of the African American
Clergy and Elected Officials (AACEO), Chair within the Black Leadership
Commission on AIDS, member of the National Black Commission on AIDS, and
lifetime member of the NAACP, while also serving as an author,
entrepreneur, educator, and devoted husband to Lady Lola Oguntunde
Waterman and father to Nia Folasade, Imani Oyinlola, and Jada Simisola
Waterman; and

WHEREAS, Throughout 24 years of steadfast pastoral service, Rev. Dr.
Robert M. Waterman has exemplified spiritual courage, intellectual
discipline, prophetic voice, and compassionate leadership, ensuring that
Antioch Baptist Church remains not only a house of worship, but a center
of restoration, advocacy, and hope; and

WHEREAS, It is fitting and proper to recognize this sacred milestone
and to commend both pastor and congregation for their enduring
partnership in faith and service; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Antioch Baptist Church upon the celebration of its 24th Pastoral
Anniversary and to commend Rev. Dr. Robert M. Waterman for his
distinguished leadership, visionary ministry, and unwavering commitment
to restoring life and strengthening community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Rev. Dr. Robert M. Waterman and the Antioch Baptist
Church family in recognition of this joyous and historic occasion.