LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 150th Anniversary of Grace
Episcopal Church of Utica, 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
150th Anniversary of Grace Episcopal Church of Utica, New York; and
WHEREAS, Grace Episcopal Church was organized as a parish in 1838; the
first church was a frame building located at the corner of Broadway and
Columbia Street; about twenty years later, the current site was
purchased by Alfred Munson and given to the parish for "the new church";
with Mr. Munson's financial backing, Richard Upjohn, architect of Trin-
ity Church in New York City, was engaged to design the present building;
and
WHEREAS, Ably led by The Reverend John D. Stonesifer, Grace Episcopal
Church continues to prosper today and into the future; and
WHEREAS, Grace Episcopal 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 150th Anniversary of Grace Episcopal Church of Utica,
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 The Reverend John D. Stonesifer, Grace Episcopal Church,
Utica, New York.