LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 100th Anniversary of Amherst
Community Church of Snyder, 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 Amherst Community Church of Snyder, New York; and
WHEREAS, Established in 1915, Amherst Community Church was first
founded by members representing the Congregational, Baptist, Presbyteri-
an and Methodist tradition, coming together to build a new church which
would unify the developing community; and
WHEREAS, Following the principles of Christian belief, this esteemed
religious institution has always reached out to its parishioners in
faith and fellowship, and was for many years the only Protestant church
in the Amherst/Snyder communities; and
WHEREAS, Amherst Community Church's original building was constructed
in 1916, and its current sanctuary was completed in 1951; over the
years, numerous expansions and improvements have been added, including
the addition of classroom space, a new library, and an elevator for full
handicapped accessibility; and
WHEREAS, In 1957, Amherst Community Church became part of the United
Church of Christ at the time the denomination was first formed and
today, continues to be a proud affiliate; and
WHEREAS, Amherst Community Church's congregation voted in 1987 to
declare itself Open and Affirming, extending an intentional welcome to
gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people; the congregation was one
of the first local churches in the United Church of Christ to take this
step; and
WHEREAS, Under the illustrious leadership of Reverend Scott Thomas,
Amherst Community Church stands on the threshold of tomorrow, prepared
to meet the challenges of the coming decades while retaining that spir-
itual 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 Amherst Community Church of Snyder,
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 Scott Thomas, Amherst Community Church.