LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Reverend Dr. Richard H.
Dixon, Jr., distinguished minister, civil rights leader and devoted
member of his community

WHEREAS, It is with profound sorrow that this Legislative Body, repres-
enting the people of the State of New York, is moved this day to pay
tribute to a preeminent Baptist leader of indomitable faith and dedi-
cation whose purposeful life and accomplishments will forever stand as a
paradigm and inspiration for others; and
WHEREAS, A sincere and faithful shepherd of the Baptist Church, Rever-
end Dr. Richard H. Dixon, Jr. died on Saturday, April 25, 2015, at the
age of 92; and
WHEREAS, Born the only son of three children on October 3, 1923 to the
late Beulah and Reverend Richard H. Dixon, Jr., Reverend Dr. Richard H.
Dixon, Jr. was Pastor Emeritus of the Macedonia Baptist Church; he
retired on December 31, 1999, after 41 years of dedicated service to
this great church; and
WHEREAS, During his pastorate, Reverend Dr. Richard H. Dixon, Jr. was
a pioneer in civil rights, social justice and community affairs; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Dr. Richard H. Dixon, Jr, attended Public Schools in
Dallas, Texas and Fort Wayne, Indiana before earning a Bachelor of Arts
degree from Bishop College, a Bachelor of Theology degree from the Amer-
ican Theological Seminary, and a Bachelor of Divinity degree from
Colgate Seminary; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, this esteemed man went on to earn a Doctor of
Divinity degree from the University of Detroit, and was a Candidate for
a Doctorate Degree from Princeton Theological Seminary in Princeton, New
Jersey; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his illustrious career, Reverend Dr. Richard H.
Dixon, Jr. was pastor of three churches, First Baptist Church, Lackawan-
na, New York for four years; Historical Trinity Baptist Church, Pontiac,
Michigan for ten years; and Macedonia Baptist Church, Mount Vernon, New
York for forty-one years; and
WHEREAS, For several years, Reverend Dr. Richard H. Dixon, Jr. was
also assigned as Second Deputy Commissioner of the City of Mount Vernon,
and head of the Chaplaincy program of Mount Vernon Police Department
where he was a spiritual advisor to thousands of officers for half of a
century; and
WHEREAS, A true community leader, Reverend Dr. Richard H. Dixon, Jr.
served as President of the Mount Vernon Council of Churches; Westchester
Urban League; founder and past president of the United Black Clergy of
Mount Vernon; and founder and past president of the Westchester Chris-
tian Leadership Conference; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Dr. Richard H, Dixon, Jr. had the honor of being
selected as part of the group to accompany Dr. Martin Luther King to
Oslo, Norway to receive the Nobel Peace Prize; in addition, the People's
Republic of China invited him as a guest of the Chinese government to
tour, study and exchange views; and
WHEREAS, The recipient of countless awards and accolades, Reverend Dr.
Richard H. Dixon, Jr. was once honored to provide opening prayer at the
United States Congress in Washington, D.C.; he also served as Chaplain
for the New York State Senate and Assembly; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Dr. Richard H, Dixon, Jr. is survived by his loving
wife, First Lady Emeritus Earnestene; four children, Richard Ill, Sonya,
Lori and Carl; two sons-in-law, Mark and George; two granddaughters,
Styler and Kayla and four grandsons, James, Dabnus, George, Jr. and
Cameron; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Dr. Richard H. Dixon, Jr.'s legacy will live forev-
er, not only in the many lives he touched, but in the good works he has
left behind; known as the "People's Pastor", he could be found daily
walking the streets of Mount Vernon, the halls of nursing homes and
hospitals, and visiting prisons; and
WHEREAS, Truly a man after "God's Own Heart," Reverend Dr. Richard H.
Dixon, Jr. was a pastor without walls; his word extended far and wide
beyond the boundaries of a church building, city limits, state lines,
and the United States shores; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to celebrate the
life of this esteemed religious leader who accepted the responsibilities
of moral leadership and who dedicated his life to serving others; he
will truly be missed by many; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Reverend Dr. Richard H. Dixon, Jr., distinguished
minister, civil rights leader and devoted member of his community, as
well as rejoice in his life, noting his unremitting and compassionate
faith in his service to God, man and his community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy or this Resolution, suitably engrossed, he tran-
smitted to the family of Reverend Dr. Richard H. Dixon, Jr.