LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 200th Anniversary of the Mace-
donia African Methodist Episcopal Church of Flushing, New York, to be
celebrated on June 25, 2011

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 the Macedonia African Methodist Episcopal Church of
Flushing, New York; and
WHEREAS, This auspicious event will be celebrated on Saturday, June
25, 2011, at the renaming of 38th Avenue and Union Street in Flushing,
New York, as Macedonia A.M.E. Church Way; and
WHEREAS, In April of 1811, the African Methodist Society in Flushing,
the forerunner to the present day Macedonia African Methodist Episcopal
Church (A.M.E.) was formed; the congregation was comprised of freed
blacks, Native Americans and poor whites in the community; and
WHEREAS, In 1821, the African Methodist Episcopal Church, New York
Conference, sent the first A.M.E. pastor to Macedonia, the Rev. Henry
Hearden; approximately 16 years later during the pastorate of Rev.
Israel Scott, a one room wooden structure was built to house the congre-
gation at nearly the same location as the present day structure; and
WHEREAS, Macedonia African Methodist Episcopal Church has built a
great legacy on the foundation of a faithful and fruitful past; it has
stood as a beacon of light in the midst of a changed and changing commu-
nity, offering spiritual support and tangible sustenance to all who
would enter its doors; over the years it has fed tens of thousands,
clothed thousands more, and provided monetary relief to more still; and
WHEREAS, Moreover, Macedonia African Methodist Episcopal Church is
host to various community organization meetings; it has been available
for 109th precinct activities; it has entertained community youth activ-
ities, including basketball tournaments and off-season baseball training
sessions; and
WHEREAS, Macedonia African Methodist Episcopal Church houses one of
the finest Day Care Centers in the community; it also serves as an emer-
gency food pantry, and as a weekly food distribution center providing
provisions to over 450 families weekly; the church provides hot meals
weekly to the homeless and others in the community, and distributes
clothing and other emergency service needs for the community; and
WHEREAS, Macedonia African Methodist 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 200th Anniversary of the Macedonia African Methodist
Episcopal Church of Flushing, New York, to be observed on June 25, 2011,
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 Richard O. Eachern, Pastor, Macedonia African Metho-
dist Episcopal Church, Flushing, New York.