Senate Resolution No. 1676

BY: Senator HELMING

CONGRATULATING the St. John's Episcopal Church
upon the occasion of its 200th Anniversary

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commemorate the important milestones of historic institutions within the
State of New York, and in doing so, help to ensure that the complete
history of our State and Nation is preserved and shared with present
generations of citizens; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
congratulate the St. John's Episcopal Church upon the occasion of its
200th Anniversary; and

WHEREAS, On August 21, 1826, several inhabitants of the Town of
Sodus met for the purpose of establishing, organizing, and incorporating
a Protestant Episcopal Church, marking the beginning of the recorded
history of St. John's Episcopal Church; and

WHEREAS, The cornerstone of the church was laid on September 26,
1826, and funds to erect the building were raised through the sale of
pews; constructed at a cost of $3,000, the church was consecrated on
September 8, 1834, and its exterior today remains much as it did at that
time; and

WHEREAS, The church building, located on Main Street, is the oldest
structure in Sodus, New York, that is still used for its original
purpose; and

WHEREAS, The church has expanded and enhanced its facilities over
the years, including the construction of rectories, the addition of a
parish hall in 1959, and the installation of accessibility improvements
to better serve parishioners and visitors; and

WHEREAS, St. John's Episcopal Church has long opened its doors to
community organizations and outreach initiatives, providing space for
civic groups, youth organizations, educational programs, and charitable
activities; and

WHEREAS, In 2001, the church commemorated its 175th Anniversary, and
in 2026 it will celebrate 200 years since its founding, marking two
centuries of continuous worship and service in the Sodus community; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate the St. John's Episcopal Church upon the occasion of its
200th Anniversary; and be it further

RESOLVED, That this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted
to St. John's Episcopal Church, Sodus, New York.