LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Reverend Dr. Henry T. Simmons upon the
occasion of his 20th Anniversary as Senior Minister of the St. Albans
Congregational Church

WHEREAS, The character and richness of religious and community life in
this noble Empire State is nourished and fulfilled through the faithful
concern and selfless devotion of those who would commit their energies
and purpose to the ministry of others; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to bring full recog-
nition and just tribute to those individuals who distinguish themselves
and the ministry through their unremitting commitment and preeminence of
service; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Reverend Dr. Henry T. Simmons upon the occasion of his 20th Anniversary
as Senior Minister of the St. Albans Congregational Church to be cele-
brated at a luncheon on Saturday, March 26, 2011, at the Robert Ross
Johnson Family Life Center in St. Albans, New York; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Henry Simmons has brought to his ministry an over-
whelming spirit of charity and compassion, acting from vision and
enlightenment in conducting his administrative and spiritual duties,
while always displaying the highest standards of personal and profes-
sional integrity and dedication; and
WHEREAS, One of Reverend Henry Simmons' first initiatives as Senior
Minister was to add more women to boards that were historically managed
by men of the church; and
WHEREAS, Under Reverend Henry Simmons' luminous leadership, the
congregation has grown from 400 to 1200 active members who share mutual
efforts sponsoring just over 50 ministries for congregants and the
community; and
WHEREAS; This devout leader expanded the square footage of the Robert
Ross Johnson Family Life Center and increased the usage of the facility
with private and public organizations; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Henry Simmons implemented numerous ministries within
the church including the Christian Youth Organization, Because We Care
Food Pantry and Clothing Boutique, Enriching our Elders Ministry,
Liturgical Dance Ministry, Women's Fellowship, Nehemiah Men's Ministry,
and Birthday Fellowship groups; and
WHEREAS, Moreover, Reverend Henry Simmons expanded the offerings for
Bible study and reflection, increased the number of church choirs, and
increased the church's budget; and
WHEREAS, Despite his busy professional life, he has compiled an
impressive record of civic and charitable service, including membership
with United Church Ministries for Racial, Social & Economic Justice,
UCC; the NY Metro Black Clergy, UCC; the United Black Christians, the
Committee to Eliminate Media Offensive to African People, Jamaica, New
York; The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People;
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.; and the Board of Directors for the
Human Resources Center of St. Albans, New York; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Henry Simmons has received many awards and accolades
including citations for outstanding ministerial leadership from the
Michigan State Legislature, The Detroit City Council, and the New York
City Council, and honorary Doctor of Divinity degrees for contributions
to racial and social justice from Ursinus College and Houston-Tillotson
College; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his loving wife, Gayle, their
son, Aaron, daughter-in-law, Tayia, and two grandsons, Christon and

Tyler, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of his life and rejoice
in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, In addition to spending time with his family, Reverend Henry
Simmons enjoys painting, sketching, playing trumpet/cornet, tennis,
reading, and collecting art and musical instruments from the African
Diaspora; and
WHEREAS, This distinguished man of God has always given enlightenment,
guidance and wisdom to the many entrusted to his care and has adminis-
tered abundantly and unstintingly to the spiritual and corporal needs of
all; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when a person
of such noble aims and accomplishments is brought to our attention it is
appropriate to publicly and jubilantly proclaim and commend that indi-
vidual for the edification of others; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Reverend Dr. Henry T. Simmons upon the occasion of his 20th
Anniversary as Senior Minister of the St. Albans Congregational Church,
noting his unremitting and compassionate faith and his exemplary service
to God, man, and his community, and extending to him the heartfelt best
wishes for a future of purposeful success and well-being; and be it
further
RESOLVED. That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Reverend Dr. Henry T. Simmons.