LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 200th Anniversary of Lyons
First Presbyterian Church, to be celebrated on Wednesday, October 7,
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
200th Anniversary of Lyons First Presbyterian Church, to be celebrated
on Wednesday, October 7, 2009; and
WHEREAS, Lyons First Presbyterian 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, The Presbyterian Church was organized at a meeting held at
John Riggs' home on January 2, 1800; a trustee or traveling minister
conducted weekly services until 1809; and
WHEREAS, By that particular time, John Lindsley, one of three mission-
aries who were sent by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church,
to go into New York settlements to preach the gospel and organize
churches, arrived at the hamlet of Lyons, then known as the District of
Sodus; and
WHEREAS, In the early days, services were commonly held in barns,
homes or taverns; on October 23, 1809, the First Presbyterian Church of
Sodus was formed at a service held at trustee John Perrine's barn;
today, the current church edifice is located at 11 Queens Street in
Lyons; 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 200th Anniversary of Lyons First Presbyterian Church, to
be celebrated on Wednesday, October 7, 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 Lee Edward Prong, Pastor of Lyons First Presbyterian
Church.