LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 190th Anniversary of St. Paul's
United Methodist Church of Middletown, New York, to be celebrated on May
18, 2014

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
190th Anniversary of St. Paul's United Methodist Church of Middletown,
New York, to be celebrated with a weekend of special events and services
on May 16-18, 2014; and
WHEREAS, St. Paul's United Methodist Church began its ministry in
1824, when a small group of people came together to worship as Metho-
dists in the community of Middletown, New York; at the time, Middletown
was just a small hamlet of 30 houses and would not be incorporated for
another 64 years; and
WHEREAS, This esteemed place of worship grew rapidly through a series
of revivals and outreach; in 1871, church members built the current
sanctuary building on 58 West Main Street with a nearly 400 seat capaci-
ty; and
WHEREAS, Throughout its history, St. Paul's United Methodist Church
has continually been at the center of community life, providing minis-
tries which have been an integral part of the growth of Middletown; and
WHEREAS, Today, St. Paul's United Methodist Church remains true to its
tradition of service, hosting a food pantry and warming station for the
homeless during the coldest months of the year; and
WHEREAS, St. Paul's United Methodist 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 190th Anniversary of St. Paul's United Methodist Church
of Middletown, New York, to be observed on May 18, 2014, 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 St. Paul's United Methodist Church of Middletown, New York.