LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Pastor Darius G. Pridgen upon the
occasion of his consecration as a Bishop of the Full Gospel Baptist
Fellowship at True Bethel Baptist Church in Buffalo, New York

WHEREAS, The spiritual guidance and nurturing of the citizens of the
State of New York is of great importance to the vitality and well-being
of our communities; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to bring full recog-
nition and just tribute to those men and women of religious commitment
who accept the responsibility of moral leadership and render the wisdom
of human understanding; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Pastor Darius G. Pridgen upon the occasion of his consecration as a
Bishop of the Full Gospel Baptist Fellowship at True Bethel Baptist
Church on Friday, April 17, 2015, in Buffalo, New York; and
WHEREAS, Pastor Darius G. Pridgen is a mentor, servant, community
leader and organizer who serves as the Senior Pastor of True Bethel
Baptist Church located in the city of Buffalo, New York; his teachings
and preaching are heard worldwide through the internet as well as weekly
with four services in two locations on the East side of Buffalo and
Niagara Falls, New York; and
WHEREAS, A true asset to society, Pastor Darius G. Pridgen and his
congregation provide the local community with food and clothing through
True Bethel Charities, Taste of Faith Food Pantry and True Bethel
Clothes Closet located in "The Help Center," a renovated firehouse
established to meet the needs of those in the surrounding community; and
WHEREAS, Well-known for speaking out for those who are often not
heard, Pastor Darius G. Pridgen, along with the True Bethel Family,
combined efforts with the community and the New York State Department of
Environmental Conservation in an effort to clean-up a hazardous toxic
waste site across the street from the church, making the area safe for
residential use; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, in 2010, Pastor Darius G. Pridgen and his
congregation were instrumental in the restoration of Michigan Street
Baptist Church, a historic landmark of the Underground Railroad; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his illustrious career, Pastor Darius G. Pridgen
has received countless awards and appointments such as the New York
State Minorities in Criminal Justice and the "Do Something for Others
Award", exemplifying the teachings and life of Dr. Martin Luther King,
Jr.; he serves as the New York State Overseer for the Full Gospel
Baptist Church Fellowship; and
WHEREAS, In addition, this esteemed man serves as the Ellicott
District Common Council Member for the City of Buffalo, and is on the
Board of Trustees at Medaille College; he is the recipient of the First
Student Veterans Alumni Award from the Office of Veterans and Military
Affairs at Medaille College, and received the 2013 Interfaith Community
Leader Award from National Federation for Just Communities of WNY, Inc.
for his service to all people; in January of 2014, Pastor Pridgen was
elected by a unanimous vote to serve as the President of the Buffalo
Common Council; and
WHEREAS, Pastor Darius G. Pridgen has brought to his ministry an over-
whelming spirit of charity and compassion, acting from vision and
enlightenment in conducting his administrative and spiritual duties,
while always displaying the highest standards of personal and profes-
sional integrity and dedication; and

WHEREAS, This distinguished man of God has always given enlightenment,
guidance and wisdom to the many entrusted to his care and has adminis-
tered abundantly and unstintingly to the spiritual and corporal needs of
all; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when a person
of such noble aims and accomplishments is brought to our attention, it
is appropriate to publicly and jubilantly proclaim and commend that
individual for the edification of others; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Pastor Darius G. Pridgen upon the occasion of his consecration
as a Bishop of the Full Gospel Baptist Fellowship at True Bethel Baptist
Church in Buffalo, New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Pastor Darius G. Pridgen.