Senate Resolution No. 2142

BY: Senator COMRIE

COMMEMORATING the 100th Anniversary of Christ
Pentecostal Temple, Inc., and honoring its enduring
legacy of faith, leadership, and community service

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
honor those religious institutions whose commitment to spiritual
guidance, community outreach, and faithful service has strengthened the
quality of life in the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of Christ Pentecostal Temple, Inc.;
and

WHEREAS, Christ Pentecostal Temple, Inc. traces its origins to 1920,
when Sister Maude Ford established a ministry in her home at 16 West
136th Street in New York City, faithfully answering her calling to serve
the community through worship and evangelism; and

WHEREAS, The ministry later expanded to Jamaica, Queens, where
open-air meetings began in July 1925, followed by worship services in
the basement of Sister Ford's home at 157-01 110th Avenue; and

WHEREAS, On March 7, 1926, the garage adjacent to the residence was
dedicated as Gospel Truth Tabernacle, and in April 1931, the church was
formally incorporated as Christ Pentecostal Temple, Inc.; and

WHEREAS, Pastor Maude Ford, affectionately known as "Mother Ford,"
became widely respected for her faith, prayer ministry, and
compassionate service, drawing many people to the church through her
ministry of healing and encouragement; and

WHEREAS, As the congregation grew, Mother Ford led the effort to
construct a larger sanctuary, overcoming significant financial
challenges through prayer, sacrifice, and steadfast determination until
the sanctuary was completed in 1950; and

WHEREAS, In 1969, Mother Ford passed the mantle of leadership to
Elder Marion Lockett, affectionately known as "Pop Lockett," who
expanded the church's outreach and oversaw the acquisition of
neighboring properties, further establishing the church as a spiritual
cornerstone in the Jamaica community; and

WHEREAS, Following Pastor Lockett's passing, Elder Derrick Farmer
was ordained Pastor on August 10, 2004, and under his leadership the
church completed major construction and sanctuary restoration projects
without incurring borrowed debt; and

WHEREAS, Suffragan Bishop Derrick Farmer revitalized numerous
ministries within the church and strengthened its commitment to
community outreach, including the establishment of HarvestFest, an
evangelistic initiative which brought ministry and support directly into
the surrounding Queens community; and


WHEREAS, For a century, Christ Pentecostal Temple, Inc. has remained
steadfast in its mission of worship, prayer, service, and outreach,
impacting countless lives throughout Queens and beyond; now, therefore,
be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of Christ Pentecostal Temple, Inc.,
and to honor its extraordinary legacy of faith, perseverance, and
community leadership; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Christ Pentecostal Temple, Inc.