LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Reverend Mrs. Eula Dent Eikerenkoetter
upon the occasion of celebrating more than 50 years of Ministry to the
United Palace House of Inspiration on May 15, 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 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 Reverend
Mrs. Eula Dent Eikerenkoetter upon the occasion of celebrating more
than 50 years of ministry to the United Palace House of Inspiration, to
be feted at a special service and banquet on Sunday, May 15, 2016; and
WHEREAS, Eula Dent Eikerenkoetter, affectionately known to the United
Palace family as Reverend Mrs. Ike, is the third of seven children born
into a loving family in Newport News, Virginia; and
WHEREAS, Eula Dent Eikerenkoetter earned her Bachelor's degree in
Business Education from Norfolk State College, and her Master's degree
in Special Education from Boston College; and
WHEREAS, After completing her studies, Eula Dent Eikerenkoetter became
an itinerant teacher for visually impaired children throughout New
England; and
WHEREAS, In 1964, Eula and Frederick J. Eikerenkoetter II were
married; together, the dynamic couple grew the ministries of United
Christian Evangelistic Association (UCEA) and The United Church of Jesus
Christ For All People, simultaneously founded in Beaufort, South Caroli-
na; and
WHEREAS, While her husband pastored Miracle Temple, Reverend Mrs. Eula
Dent Eikerenkoetter built and managed the financial aspects of each
organization while also providing ministerial leadership and develop-
ment; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the years, Reverend Mrs. Eula Dent Eikerenkoetter
discovered the fundamental philosophy that would define their spiritual
teachings: to turn obstacles into opportunities, setbacks into setups,
and adversities into advantages; and
WHEREAS, In 1969, Reverend Mrs. Eula Dent Eikerenkoetter and her
husband moved to New York City, where they expanded their ministry,
first in Harlem, then finding a permanent home in Washington Heights at
the United Palace Cathedral, formerly the Loew's 175th Street Theatre;
and
WHEREAS, The congregation rapidly expanded its reach worldwide through
syndicated radio and television programs and has not missed a Sunday
service since; thanks to the tireless efforts of both the Eikerenkoetter
family and their congregation, the theater, later renamed United Palace,
was preserved and saved from certain redevelopment; and
WHEREAS, Now under the leadership of their son, Xavier Eikerenkoetter,
United Palace has thrived and grown into a multi-pronged community
organization including United Palace House of Inspiration (UPHI), United
Palace of Cultural Arts (UPCA), and United Palace Theatre (UPT); and
WHEREAS, Today, Reverend Mrs. Eula Dent Eikerenkoetter continues to
play an active role in the United Palace community by helping to
preserve Rev. Ike Legacy Ministries, maintaining the theater, and
supporting the growth of UPHI; and

WHEREAS, Moreover, Reverend Mrs. Eula Dent Eikerenkoetter serves as a
spiritual leader and philanthropist dedicated to bettering not just the
lives of her New York City-based congregation but also to impacting the
wider world, across denominations, social classes, and ethnic identi-
ties; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Mrs. Eula Dent Eikerenkoetter has brought to her
ministry an overwhelming spirit of charity and compassion, acting from
vision and enlightenment in conducting her administrative and spiritual
duties, while always displaying the highest standards of personal and
professional integrity and dedication; and
WHEREAS, This distinguished woman of God has always given enlight-
enment, guidance and wisdom to the many entrusted to her care and has
administered 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 indi-
vidual for the edification of others; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Reverend Mrs. Eula Dent Eikerenkoetter upon the occasion of
celebrating more than 50 years of Ministry to the United Palace House of
Inspiration, noting her unremitting and compassionate faith and her
exemplary service to God, man, and her community, and extending to her
the heartfelt best wishes of this Legislative Body for a future of
purposeful success and well-being; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Reverend Mrs. Eula Dent Eikerenkoetter.