LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 200th Anniversary of First
Presbyterian Church of Liberty, 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
200th Anniversary of First Presbyterian Church of Liberty, New York; and
WHEREAS, The First Presbyterian Church of Liberty was founded in 1809
and became part of The Hudson River Presbytery on September 6, 1810; the
first location of the church was on South Main Street, with a manse
located nearby; the building was built in 1812, a tower and bell were
added in 1827 and the entire building was remodeled in 1849; and
WHEREAS, In 1870, the church was placed on skids, which were laid on
logs and drawn up Main Street by four teams of oxen to the present
location; in 1901, a pipe organ and metal ceiling were added to the
sanctuary; and
WHEREAS, The first Session Committee was formed in 1810, with only men
allowed to serve; the Deacons (with both men and women serving) and
Trustee Committees were started in 1907; women were allowed to join both
the Session and the Trustees in 1964; and
WHEREAS, In 1958, a large addition known as Westminster Hall was added
to the church; it gave the congregation the opportunity to hold communi-
ty dinners and gather together to enjoy the company of the neighbors;
and
WHEREAS, The mission of the congregation of the First Presbyterian
Church has always been to preserve moral traditions, beliefs, history,
and love of God and to reach out in the community to make Liberty a
better place for the next generation; and
WHEREAS, First Presbyterian Church stands on the threshold of tomor-
row, prepared to meet the challenges of the coming decades while retain-
ing 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 200th Anniversary of First Presbyterian Church of Liber-
ty, 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 First Presbyterian Church of Liberty, New York.