Senate Resolution No. 1185

BY: Senator LARKIN

COMMEMORATING the 190th Anniversary of the African
Methodist Episcopal Zion Church of Newburgh, New
York on April 8, 2017

WHEREAS, Throughout the storied history of New York State, there
have emerged among its noble institutions certain houses of worship
which have become distinguished through their spiritual leadership and
commitment to service, and therefore warrant special recognition; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this State and Nation to pay tribute to
those institutions and individuals who have contributed to the ethical
and spiritual values of their communities; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body takes just pride in
commemorating the 190th Anniversary of the African Methodist Episcopal
Zion Church of Newburgh, New York on April 8, 2017, to be celebrated at
the Thayer Hotel in West Point, New York; and

WHEREAS, In addition, Father William "Bill" Scafidi will be
recognized for his 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, The oldest African American Church in the Hudson Valley and
the first African American Church in the City of Newburgh, the African
Methodist Episcopal (AME) Zion Church of Newburgh was founded in 1827,
under the luminous leadership of Reverend John Matthews; it has
continued to grow under the able leadership of its pastors as well as
the support of a dedicated congregation, and city of Newburgh; and

WHEREAS, After holding services at various temporary locations, the
AME Zion Church of Newburgh moved into its own facilities on Washington
Street, following the appointment of The Reverend William Bishop as
Pastor in 1832; and

WHEREAS, The AME Zion Church of Newburgh was incorporated in 1848
under the guidance of Reverend R.E. Eaststep, and rebuilt under the
Pastorate of The Reverend Peter Ross in 1851; and

WHEREAS, Throughout its esteemed history, the AME Zion Church of
Newburgh has been blessed with outstanding church leadership which has
provided guidance and spiritual outreach during difficult times; and

WHEREAS, During the tenure of its longest serving Pastor, The
Reverend Frank E. Jones, the AME Zion Church of Newburgh sponsored and
completed the construction of Varick Homes, a multi-family housing
complex; in addition, the Church completed major repairs to its
facilities and instituted numerous programs for the benefit of the local
community; and

WHEREAS, In 2002, The Reverend Twila Rucker Caines became the first
woman to be appointed Pastor in the history of the AME Zion Church of
Newburgh; her leadership was vital in making major improvements, as well
as in recovering from several fires which caused considerable damage;
and

WHEREAS, Under the illustrious supervision of its current Pastor,
Reverend Milton Stubbs, the AME Zion Church now stands on the threshold
of tomorrow, preparing to meet the challenges of the coming decades
while retaining that spiritual 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 190th Anniversary of the African Methodist Episcopal
Zion Church of Newburgh, New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Father William "Bill" Scafidi and The Reverend Milton
Stubbs, African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church of Newburgh, New York.