LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 225th Anniversary of Thiells
United Methodist Church in Thiells, New York

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 this 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 takes pleasure in commemorating the
225th Anniversary of Thiells United Methodist Church in Thiells, New
York; and
WHEREAS, Originating as a mission church of the American Indians from
the region, Thiells United Methodist Church was chartered by the City
Road Chapel in London in 1784; and
WHEREAS, As the population in the region changed in the 1800s, so did
the parishioners of Thiells United Methodist Church; a parcel of land
was set aside by John Thiells and a small chapel was built which was
added on to in the mid-1800s; and
WHEREAS, From 1850 to 1955, Thiells United Methodist Church remained
much as it was until a building project was initiated to construct a
Youth Center and Sunday School; and
WHEREAS, A fire destroyed Thiells United Methodist Church in late 1973
and within three weeks the small congregation decided to rebuild on the
original site; construction was completed on January 23, 1975, and the
new facility was consecrated on April 27, 1975; and
WHEREAS, One of the oldest churches in Rockland County, Thiells United
Methodist Church is currently led by Reverend Jisun Kwak and assistant
pastor Reverend Warren Brandt; and
WHEREAS, Thiells United Methodist Church stands on the threshold of
tomorrow, prepared to meet the challenges of the coming decades while
retaining that spiritual resolve which characterizes its past; 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 225th Anniversary of Thiells United Methodist Church in
Thiells, New York, fully confident that this commemoration reflects the
belief in those values which enhance the dignity and purpose of life;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Thiells United Methodist Church in Thiells, New York.