Senate Resolution No. 386

BY: Senator SANDERS

COMMEMORATING the 191st Anniversary of the Allen
African Methodist Episcopal Church

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 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 is justly proud to commemorate the
191st Anniversary of the Allen African Methodist Episcopal Church in
2025; and

WHEREAS, The history of Allen African Methodist Episcopal Church in
Jamaica, New York, begins in 1834, when a small group of visionaries
laid the spiritual foundation for the church; the original building was
constructed in 1842, with a significant expansion occurring in 1869; and

WHEREAS, Over time, the church grew, particularly with the migration
of people from the southern states, and experienced various challenges,
including financial hardship and a devastating fire in 1944 that
destroyed the sanctuary; and

WHEREAS, In the 1960s, the church purchased new land, and in 1968, a
new edifice was completed; the church faced a devastating firebombing in
1969, but rebuilt once again; by the 1970s, the church had grown
significantly, reaching a membership of 1,200 and expanding its outreach
to include services for senior citizens; and

WHEREAS, In the face of adversity and hardship, this community of
faithful and dedicated individuals always remained committed to the
church and rebuilt, esnuring the continued growth of this cherished
faith-based institution for decades to come; they stand as a testament
to the value of resilience and courage; and

WHEREAS, In 1976, the Rev. Floyd H. Flake became the pastor,
bringing renewed energy and helping the church become a vibrant
community center with over 60 clubs and ministries, including outreach
programs like street ministry, An Ear to Hear, the Spiritual Life
Counseling Ministry, and cancer support to name a few; under his able
leadership, the church thrived and gained national recognition for
addressing the needs of its community; and

WHEREAS, The Rev. Floyd H. Flake retired from this exalted and
impactful position in 2021, opening the door for his beloved wife, Rev.
Margarett Elaine McCollins Flake, to become pastor; she proudly guided
the church through the COVID-19 pandemic and served gracefully and with
honor in this capacity until her retirement in 2024; and

WHEREAS, The Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral of New York stands today
as a prominent global faith institution, renowned for its spiritual

empowerment and community impact; on June 16, 2024, the Reverend Stephen
A. Green was appointed as the Senior Pastor, ushering in a new era for
this historic congregation; a global thought leader at the intersection
of faith and social justice, Rev. Green also serves as Chair of Faith
for Black Lives, a faith-based social justice organization committed to
building a beloved community through radical love in action; together
with his wife, First Lady Braea Tilford Green, they are dedicated to
transforming the world through the power of radical love in action; 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 191st Anniversary of the Allen African Methodist
Episcopal Church; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Allen African Methodist Episcopal Church.