LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 100th Anniversary of Amity
Baptist Church of Jamaica, New York

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
100th Anniversary of Amity Baptist Church of Jamaica, New York; many
pre-anniversary worship services will be held as part of its 2016
Centennial Celebration; and
WHEREAS, On February 27, 1916, a Baptist Mission was founded in a
store at 159th Street and 109th Avenue, formerly the corner of Prospect
and Pacific Streets in Jamaica, New York; and
WHEREAS, Organizers felt that a Baptist Church was needed in the south
side of Jamaica, and on March 17, 1916, the Mission was organized as
Amity Baptist Church; nearly a month later, Reverend J. Wilson was
called as the first Pastor of the Church; and
WHEREAS, On April 16, 1918, Amity Baptist Church was incorporated; the
Trustees were faced with the issue of the Church having out-grown its
place of worship and purchased the property at 174 Washington Street,
now known as 160th Street; and
WHEREAS, Amity Baptist Church, with less than 200 members, remodeled
the building, transforming it into a beautiful edifice and on November
14, 1920, the Odd Fellows of Jamaica laid the cornerstone and the Church
had its first real house of worship; and
WHEREAS, The little church, dear to the hearts of so many, passed from
the Church's hands on February 5, 1931, to the Greater New York Seventh
Day Adventist; through the efforts of Deacon C. E. Stovall, a beautiful
site was procured on the corner of 108th Avenue and Brooklyn Avenue,
presently known as 164th Place/Rev. James R. Moore Place, which serves
as Amity Baptist Church's current location; and
WHEREAS, In April 2008, Reverend Jeffrey Shawn Thompson assumed the
Pulpit at Amity Baptist Church and was installed later that year to
serve as the Church's eighth Pastor; and
WHEREAS, As Amity Baptist Church celebrates its Anniversary, it will
continue building upon 100 years of worshipping, witnessing, and working
for the Kingdom; Pastor and people will be united and on one accord to
continue this great legacy by forging ahead as the Church endeavors to
remain a beacon of light in the Jamaica community living out its mission
as the "Christ-Centered Church for Community-Centered Living"; and
WHEREAS, Amity Baptist Church 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 100th Anniversary of Amity Baptist Church of Jamaica,
New York, 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 Reverend Jeffery Shawn Thompson, Amity Baptist Church.