LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Reverend Dr. James A. Lewis III upon
the occasion of being named the January 2016 Erie County Citizen of the
Month by the Erie County Legislature on January 21, 2016

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 sense of this Legislative Body to bring full recog-
nition and just tribute to those individuals who distinguish themselves
and the ministry through their unremitting commitment and preeminence of
service; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Reverend Dr.
James A. Lewis III upon the occasion of being named January 2016 Erie
County Citizen of the Month by the Erie County Legislature, celebrated
at a Ceremony on Thursday, January 21, 2016, at the Erie County Hall,
Buffalo, New York; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Dr. James A. Lewis III earned his Doctorate in
Philosophy from the University of San Moritz in London, United Kingdom;
in 1988, he was proudly ordained as a Bishop; and
WHEREAS, A dynamic leader, Reverend Dr. James A. Lewis III is dedi-
cated to both his Church and community; he remains steadfast in his
efforts to help revitalize the city of Buffalo, reach out to his neigh-
bors, and restore hope to all people; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Dr. James A. Lewis III has been called upon to
contribute his time and talents to countless civic and charitable
endeavors and has always given of himself unstintingly; and
WHEREAS, Since 1990, Reverend Dr. James A. Lewis III has held the
esteemed position of Director of Pastoral Care for the Erie County
Medical Center; in addition, he serves as the Overseer of Miracle
Missions Full Gospel Church of Buffalo, New York; and
WHEREAS, This remarkable man also holds the title of Certified Chief
Master Chaplin for the Buffalo Police Department, as well as Spiritual
Director for Upstate New York Transplant Services; he also is both the
creator and Executive Director of the Vaughn House Shelter for Men, and
a founding member of G.R.O.U.P. Ministries, Inc.; and
WHEREAS, Moreover, Reverend Dr. James A. Lewis III is the Chair of
both the City of Buffalo Zoning Board of Appeals and the Black Leader-
ship Commission on AIDS; he also serves on the Boards of Directors for
the Legal Aid Society, Buffalo Philharmonic, United Way of Western NY,
Western New York Broadcasting Association, and the New Life Residential
Center; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Reverend Dr. James A. Lewis III has
stood constant in dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Reverend Dr. James A. Lewis III has
displayed throughout his life; 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 indi-
vidual for the edification of others; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Reverend Dr. James A. Lewis III upon the occasion of being named
Erie County Citizen of the Month; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Reverend Dr. James A. Lewis III.