LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending The Reverend Dr. Curtis L. Whitney
upon the occasion of his retirement after more than 30 years of distin-
guished service to the Mt. Sinai Baptist Church, Brooklyn, New York

WHEREAS, The character and richness of religious and community life in
this noble Empire State is nourished and fulfilled through the faithful
concern and selfless devotion of those who would commit their energies
and purpose to the ministry of others; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to bring full
recognition and just tribute to those individuals who distinguish them-
selves and the ministry through their unremitting commitment and preemi-
nence of service; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend The Reverend
Dr. Curtis L. Whitney upon the occasion of his retirement after more
than 30 years of distinguished service to the Mt. Sinai Baptist Church,
Brooklyn, New York; and
WHEREAS, A native of Ivor, Virginia, where he grew up a member of the
Ebenezer Baptist Church, Curtis L. Whitney proudly served his country as
a member of the United States Army and was an honor graduate of the
Southampton County Training School; and
WHEREAS, Curtis L. Whitney later earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in
Psychology from Queens College, and completed a Master of Divinity
degree from Union Theological Seminary, as well as a Doctor of Ministry
degree from Drew University in 1991; and
WHEREAS, In September of 1984, The Reverend Dr. Curtis L. Whitney
answered the call to become Senior Pastor of the Mount Sinai Baptist
Church in Brooklyn, New York; and
WHEREAS, Prior to joining Mt. Sinai Baptist Church, this esteemed man
served as Pastor of the St. John Baptist Church, and in several posi-
tions of leadership in the community including Chairman of the Three
Counties Action Program, and Secretary of the Nassau County Black Clergy
Association; and
WHEREAS, In addition, The Reverend Dr. Curtis L. Whitney was employed
as Senior Management Specialist for the American Express Company for 21
years; and
WHEREAS, The Reverend Dr. Curtis L. Whitney has brought to his minis-
try an overwhelming 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, Dedicated to helping his community, The Reverend Dr. Curtis
L. Whitney is the President of the Quincy Community Services Develop-
ment Corporation, Co-Founder and President of the Association of Brook-
lyn Clergy for Community Development, past-President of Mt. Sinai Credit
Union, a life member of NAACP, and a member of the Hampton University
Ministers Conference; and
WHEREAS, In addition, he has served in such capacities as President of
the School of Religion for the Eastern Baptist Association, Clergy for
Community Development, and Instructor at the National Baptist Congress
of Christian Education, as well as Pastor and Founder of Brooklyn
Congregations Together; and
WHEREAS, The Reverend Dr. Curtis L. Whitney is responsible for many
community outreach programs including the Mt. Sinai Liturgical Dance
Ministry, chemical addiction programs, after school care, youth minis-
tries, and weekly Bible Study and Prayer Services; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, this esteemed man has established programs of
Christian Education and leadership throughout the United States, and has

used his broad knowledge and abilities to cultivate and nurture local
churches and communities in the spirit of service and positive change;
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, With him throughout have been his wife, Ruth, and their three
children, Heide, Monique, and the late Keith, as well as three grand-
children, Janika, Matthew and Kennedy, all of whom are proud to be part
of his life and rejoice in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when religious
leaders of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend The Reverend Dr. Curtis L. Whitney of Mt. Sinai Baptist Church,
Brooklyn, New York, upon the occasion of his retirement after more than
30 years of distinguished service to the Mt. Sinai Baptist Church, and
to wish him all the best in his future endeavors; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Reverend Dr. Curtis L. Whitney.