LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 170th Anniversary of Humboldt
Parkway Baptist Church of Buffalo, New York, to be celebrated on Sunday,
October 11, 2009

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
170th Anniversary of Humboldt Parkway Baptist Church of Buffalo, New
York, to be celebrated on Sunday, October 11, 2009; and
WHEREAS, The oldest African-American Baptist church in Buffalo, New
York, Humboldt Parkway Baptist Church started in 1839, as the Michigan
Street Baptist Church; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the years, the mission of this extraordinary
Church has been to give a helping hand while sharing a relationship with
Christ; its achievements, its present activities, along with its rich
history are a constant source of pride for each and every congregant;
through fellowship and worship, the Church accomplishes its goals by
being committed to its vision; and
WHEREAS, During slavery, the Church served as a station on the Under-
ground Railroad; the members sheltered and cared for runaway slaves in
both the Church and in their homes, aiding the slaves in their escape to
Canada; and
WHEREAS, The former Michigan Avenue Baptist location has been desig-
nated a Historical Preservation Site; and
WHEREAS, Since 1839, there have been 21 pastors, most notable among
them: Reverend J. Edward Nash, 1892-1953; Reverend Porter W. Phillips,
Jr., 1953-1972; and in December 1972 the Church selected the current
pastor, Reverend John T. Hilliard; and
WHEREAS, Under the luminous direction of Reverend John T. Hilliard,
along with Associate Pastor Reverend Robert Jackson, Humboldt Parkway
Baptist 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 170th Anniversary of Humboldt Parkway Baptist Church of
Buffalo, New York, to be observed on Sunday, October 11, 2009, 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 Reverend John T. Hilliard, Pastor, Humboldt Parkway Baptist
Church, Buffalo, New York 14211.