LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 60th Anniversary of the dedi-
cation of the Church of St. John the Baptist, of Rome, New York, to be
celebrated on May 23, 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
60th Anniversary of the dedication of the Church of St. John the
Baptist, of Rome, New York, to be celebrated on Friday, May 23, 2014;
and
WHEREAS, The Church of St. John the Baptist was originally organized
in 1910 by Catholics of Italian descent living in Rome, New York; land
was purchased in 1911 for the construction of a new church, which was
built in 1914; The Reverend Vincenzo Giorgio served as its first pastor;
and
WHEREAS, Under the leadership of its second pastor, The Reverend
Giuseppe Panesi, who served from 1917 until his death in January 1944,
the Church of St. John the Baptist grew, acquiring new buildings to
accommodate the needs of the church community; a structure was purchased
for religious instruction that was later converted into a residence for
the sisters of the Order of Parish Visitors of Mary Immaculate, and an
annex was built for additional seating; and
WHEREAS, The mortgage for the Church of St. John the Baptist was
burned in 1944; however the need for additional space was so great that
a Building Fund for a new church was begun in 1945; while the new church
was in development, the active parish opened a Mission Church, and
purchased a new building to serve as a convent for the nuns; and
WHEREAS, On October 12, 1952, ground was broken for the new church's
edifice, and in October 4, 1953, the cornerstone of that edifice was
blessed; the new Church of St. John the Baptist was dedicated on May 23,
1954; and
WHEREAS, Today, The Church of St. John the Baptist remains active and
vibrant, enacting its spiritual mission through liturgy, ministry, and
social action; it is committed to an inclusive parish, honoring its
past, and focused on the development of a multi-generational community;
and
WHEREAS, The Church of St. John the Baptist stands on the threshold of
tomorrow, prepared to meet the challenges of the coming decades; 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 60th Anniversary of the dedication of the Church of St.
John the Baptist, of Rome, New York, fully confident that this commem-
oration 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 St. John the Baptist, Rome, New York.