LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 200th Anniversary of the First
Congregational Church of Jamestown, New York, Inc.

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to honor and commem-
orate the proud and distinguished histories of the people and communi-
ties which comprise the noble body of this great Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 200th Anniversary of the First Congregational Church of James-
town, New York, Inc.; and
WHEREAS, First Congregational was founded on June 16, 1816, and was
known as the "pioneer church"; it was the first church organized in the
hamlet of the "Rapids," which came to be known as Jamestown in honor of
founder James Prendergast; and
WHEREAS, The church's first services were held in a building known as
"The Academy," and this building was followed in 1830 by a new building
called the Congregational Meeting House; and
WHEREAS, In 1869, the Church built the gothic structure on 317 East
Third Street, where it worshipped until the Fall of 2015, before relo-
cating to Forest Avenue to share space with its sister church, Pilgrim
Memorial Church; Pilgrim was formed in 1901, by members of the First
Congregational seeking to evangelize the south side which had few
churches at the time; and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to publicly recog-
nize and honor milestones in the history of churches large and small in
this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 200th Anniversary of the First Congregational Church of
Jamestown, New York, Inc.; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the First Congregational Church of Jamestown, New York, Inc.