Senate Resolution No. 107

BY: Senator BRESLIN

COMMENDING Reverend Leonard D. Comithier, Jr. upon
the occasion of his 30th Anniversary to be
celebrated on November 18, 2016

WHEREAS, The character and richness of religious and community life
in this noble Empire State are nourished and fulfilled through the
faithful concern and selfless devotion of those who 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 individuals who distinguish themselves
and the ministry through their unremitting commitment and preeminence of
service; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Reverend
Leonard D. Comithier, Jr. upon the occasion of his 30th Anniversary to
be celebrated at the "The Watchman and The Workman" Reception and
Banquet on Friday, November 18, 2016 at the Albany Marriott, Albany, New
York; and

WHEREAS, Throughout the past 30 years, Reverend Leonard D.
Comithier, Jr. has brought unparalleled leadership to the Macedonia
Baptist Church, faith community and the Capital District as a whole; and

WHEREAS, As Pastor of the Macedonia Baptist Church, Reverend Leonard
D. Comithier, Jr. initiated numerous positive social, spiritual, and
economic changes which have greatly benefitted the people within his
community as well as the state of New York; and

WHEREAS, Born in Catskill, New York, to the late Deacon Leonard
Comithier, Sr. and Lucinda Brewer Comithier, Leonard D. Comithier, Jr.
graduated from Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk Central School System and was a
faithful member of the Riverview Baptist Church of Coeymans, New York;
and

WHEREAS, After high school, he studied at both West Virginia State
College and the College of Saint Rose; he then followed in his father's
footsteps and attended the New York Theological Seminary; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Leonard D. Comithier, Jr. received his New York
State Certification in Special Education, Elementary Education and
School Administration and Supervision and completed post-graduate
courses at the State University of Albany; and

WHEREAS, In 1986, Reverend Leonard D. Comithier, Jr. was installed
as Pastor of the Macedonia Baptist Church, after a successful pastorate
at the Second Congregational Church, United Church of Christ,
Pittsfield, Massachusetts; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his long-established career, Leonard D.
Comithier, Jr. held numerous leadership positions including, Director
and Coordinator of Ministerial Services and Faith-based Programs for the
NYS Office of Children and Family services, President of the Baptist

Ministers Alliance of the Capital Area, and Moderator of the Hudson
River Frontier Missionary Baptist Association, as well as Vice-President
of the Empire Baptist Missionary Convention of New York State African
American Clergy United for Empowerment; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his role as spiritual leader, Reverend
Leonard D. Comithier, Jr. is committed to helping his beloved
community; he initiated Project 90 Building Project, established both
the Macedonia Community Development Corporation and the Macedonia Rites
of Passage Program (ROPES) and founded a Health Ministry to promote
awareness of health issues relevant to the African-American community;
and

WHEREAS, This remarkable public servant also partnered with Whitney
Young Health Center to deliver information to the community, developed
and enhanced the Macedonia Scholarship Fund to provide monetary support
and scholarships for the continuation of academic excellence for
African-American and Latino-American youth in the Capital District, and
established the Macedonia Backpack Program which provides nonperishable
food items to children; and

WHEREAS, In 2015, Reverend Leonard D. Comithier, Jr. was named
Pastor of the Year and was appointed to the Board of Directors for the
National Baptist Convention USA; under his exceptional guidance, the
Macedonia Baptist Church was named Church of the Year by the Empire
Baptist Missionary Convention of New York State; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Leonard D. Comithier, Jr. has brought to his
ministry an overwhelming spirit of charity and compassion, acting from
vision and enlightenment in conducting his administrative and spiritual
duties, while always displaying the highest standards of personal and
professional integrity and dedication; and

WHEREAS, This distinguished man of God has always given
enlightenment, guidance and wisdom to the many entrusted to his 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
individual for the edification of others; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Reverend Leonard D. Comithier, Jr. upon the occasion of his 30th
Anniversary to be celebrated on November 18, 2016, noting his
unremitting and compassionate faith and his exemplary service to God,
man, and his community, and extending to him heartfelt best wishes for a
future of continued purposeful success and well-being; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Reverend Leonard D. Comithier, Jr.