LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 188th Anniversary of the Afri-
can Methodist Episcopal Zion Church of Newburgh on April 11, 2015

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, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body takes pleasure in commemorat-
ing the 188th Anniversary of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church
of Newburgh to be celebrated at a banquet on Saturday, April 11, 2015;
in addition, a revival will be held April 8th-10th, led by Bishop Henry
Smalls, and a service with guest preacher, Reverend Dr. George D. Cren-
shaw, will be held on Sunday, April 12, 2015; and
WHEREAS, The African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Zion Church of Newburgh
was founded in 1827, under the guidance of The Reverend John Matthews;
it has continued to grow under the able leadership of its pastors as
well as the support of a dedicated congregation, and the Newburgh commu-
nity; and
WHEREAS, After holding services at various temporary locations, the
AME Zion Church of Newburgh moved to its own facilities on Washington
St., following the appointment of The Reverend William Bishop as Pastor
in 1832; and
WHEREAS, The AME Zion Church of Newburgh was incorporated in 1848, and
rebuilt under the Pastorate of The Reverend Peter Ross in 1851; and
WHEREAS, Throughout its history, the AME Zion Church of Newburgh has
been blessed with outstanding church leadership which has provided guid-
ance and spiritual outreach during difficult times; and
WHEREAS, During the tenure of its longest serving Pastor, The Reverend
Frank E. Jones, the AME Zion Church of Newburgh sponsored and completed
the construction of Varick Homes, a multi-family housing complex; in
addition, the Church completed major repairs to its facilities and
instituted numerous programs for the benefit of the local community; and
WHEREAS, In 2002, The Reverend Twila Rucker Caines became the first
woman to be appointed pastor in the history of the AME Zion Church of
Newburgh; her leadership was vital in making major improvements, as well
as in recovering from two fires which caused considerable damage; and
WHEREAS, Under the illustrious guidance of its current Pastor, Rever-
end Milton Stubbs, the AME Zion Church of Newburgh now 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 188th Anniversary of the African Methodist Episcopal
Zion Church of Newburgh, 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 The Reverend Milton Stubbs, AME Zion Church of Newburgh,
Newburgh, New York.