Senate Resolution No. 965

BY: Senator PARKER

HONORING Pastor Gilford T. Monrose upon the
occasion of his 20th Pastoral Anniversary on May 3,
2025

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those individuals who have devoted their lives to serving the
spiritual needs of their communities, thereby contributing to the moral
and social fabric of 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 honor
Pastor Gilford T. Monrose upon the occasion of his 20th Pastoral
Anniversary, celebrated on Saturday, May 3, 2025; and

WHEREAS, A native of the U.S. Virgin Islands, Pastor Monrose moved
to New York in 1999 to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theology and
Bible Studies at Nyack College and Alliance Theological Seminary, and to
marry the love of his life, Dianne Thomas; and

WHEREAS, Pastor Monrose began his ministry as Youth Director at the
historic Mt. Zion Church of God 7th Day, where he developed programs for
young people, demonstrating a deep understanding of their struggles and
a tireless commitment to enhancing their spiritual maturity; and

WHEREAS, In May 2005, Pastor Monrose was ordained to the ministry
and has since continued to show unwavering love and dedication to his
church and its members; and

WHEREAS, Beyond the pulpit, Pastor Monrose has made significant
contributions to the broader community; in 2002, he established the
Catch The Vision (CTV) Youth Conferences, empowering youth, leaders, and
marriages, and attracting participants from around the world; and

WHEREAS, He initiated the annual Unity Gospel Fest at Kingsbrook
Jewish Medical Center to promote spiritual and physical wellness, and
was instrumental in the development of the East Flatbush Ready When the
Time Comes Disaster Team, providing disaster-relief training through the
American Red Cross; and

WHEREAS, Pastor Monrose has served as a chaplain for the
Metropolitan Transportation Authority, and in various leadership roles
including as director of the Faith-Based and Clergy Initiative at the
Brooklyn Borough President's Office, board member of the Flatbush YMCA,
and chair of the Community Leadership Council of Kingsbrook Jewish
Medical Center; and

WHEREAS, Pastor Gilford T. Monrose is the founding President of the
67th Precinct Clergy Council, known as "The GodSquad," serving as a
liaison between the police and the community to address gun violence and
promote peace; and

WHEREAS, Pastor Monrose's dedication extends internationally, having
partnered with groups across the Caribbean, Africa, Brazil, Moscow,

England, and Israel, empowering individuals to become active and
responsible citizens; and

WHEREAS, As the loving husband of Dianne Monrose and father to
Gianne and Joshua, Pastor Monrose is a passionate advocate for families
and children, residing in Weeksville, Brooklyn; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be recognized by all the citizens of the great
State of New York; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Pastor Gilford T. Monrose upon the occasion of his 20th Pastoral
Anniversary, and to commend him for his dedicated service to his faith
and community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Pastor Gilford T. Monrose.