LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 56th Anniversary of the Friend-
ship Baptist Church of Ferndale, 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
56th Anniversary of the Friendship Baptist Church of Ferndale, New York;
this momentous occasion was honored with an Anniversary Celebration on
Sunday, October 27, 2013; and
WHEREAS, The Friendship Baptist Church was organized in 1957 by Rever-
end Smythe who served as the church's first Pastor; and
WHEREAS, Since its inception, the Friendship Baptist Church has seen
many dedicated Pastors, as well as substantial membership growth and
church upgrades; and
WHEREAS, Under the luminous direction of Reverend Harry L. Brown, Jr.,
Pastor since April 10, 2011, the Friendship Baptist Church has seen
significant spiritual growth and development, as well as the enhancement
of the quality of life of church members, their families, and the commu-
nity at large; and
WHEREAS, In addition, a Pebbles of Hope Youth Ministry was instituted,
which trains and develops youth in positive communication and leadership
skills both in and out of the church community; and
WHEREAS, Friendship Baptist Church holds annual Vacation Bible School,
Sunday School, Wednesday night Bible Study and Prayer Meetings, a
Liturgical Dance Ministry for youth, monthly Holy Communion, Baptism and
New Members Training; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, in an effort to give back to the community,
Friendship Baptist Church serves free dinner daily, as well as a free
Thanksgiving Dinner Outreach and Christmas Caroling Outreach at Catskill
Regional Hospital and throughout the community during the Holiday
Season; and
WHEREAS, Friendship Baptist 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 56th Anniversary of the Friendship Baptist Church of
Ferndale, 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 Reverend Harry L. Brown, Jr., Senior Pastor, Friendship
Baptist Church.