LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the Church of God of East New York for
its dedication to the community, and celebrating the opening of its new
edifice

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 commending the Church
of God of East New York for its dedication to the community, and cele-
brating the opening of its new edifice on Sunday, April 13, 2014, and
Sunday, April 20, 2014, in Brooklyn, New York; and
WHEREAS, The Church of God of East New York began as a prayer meeting
more than 80 years ago; in addition to its primary mission of teaching
and reaching out to the community, the church has provided educational
workshops in the community on issues such as personal finances, insur-
ance, estate planning, family and marriage issues, funeral arrangements,
college and careers, and manhood training for boys, as well as health
fairs, back to school block parties and community carnivals; and
WHEREAS, Committed to sharing the love of God with the community and
the city, The Church of God of East New York will open its new edifice,
located at 905 Sutter Avenue in Brooklyn, New York, as a source of hope
for East New York; and
WHEREAS, In November of 2006, excavation began for the construction of
the new facility; the 10 foot lighthouse cupola has been placed on top
of the tower of the new building as a symbolic picture of the light The
Church of God of East New York will bring to its community; and
WHEREAS, Spiritual guidance and nurturing are of great import to the
vitality and well-being of all people and every community of this great
State and Nation; and
WHEREAS, Instrumental in that deliverance are those men and women of
religious commitment who accept the responsibility of moral leadership
and render the wisdom of human understanding; and
WHEREAS, April of 2014 will mark the 33rd year Reverend Clifton McDo-
well, Sr. and Lady Deborah McDowell have served as Senior Pastor and
First Lady of the congregation; and
WHEREAS, The success of the Church of God of East New York and the
promise of future growth is a testimony of a Church that started from a
storefront with approximately 12 members, and has grown into a congre-
gation of over 250 men, women and children, who now call this church
their home; and
WHEREAS, The Church of God of East New York 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
commend the Church of God of East New York for its dedication to the
community, and to celebrate the opening of its new edifice, fully confi-
dent that this commendation 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 Church of God of East New York, Brooklyn, New York.