Senate Resolution No. 1326

BY: Senator ADDABBO

HONORING Pastor William Baum of St. Barnabas
Lutheran Church in Howard Beach, Queens, upon the
occasion of celebrating the 25th Anniversary of his
ordination

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to celebrate and
honor the accomplishments of faith leaders throughout the State of New
York who provide opportunities for spiritual guidance, growth,
fellowship, friendship, and community involvement to their parishioners;
and

WHEREAS, Pastor William Baum, who leads St. Barnabas Church in
Howard Beach, Queens, is celebrating the 25th Anniversary of his
ordination, which was officiated by the Rev. Dr. William Lazareth at
Grace & Paul's Church in New York City; and

WHEREAS, Pastor William Baum, who enjoys the deep respect and
affection of his St. Barnabas Church congregation, is a man of many
talents and interests, including music, the New York City Cyclones
hockey team, video production and website design; and

WHEREAS, Pastor William Baum received a Bachelor of Arts degree in
Music Composition from Concordia College, moved on to post-graduate
composition studies through the City University of New York, but then
changed gears to pursue and earn a Master of Divinity degree at the
General Theological Seminary of the Episcopal Church in Manhattan; and

WHEREAS, In choosing this life and spiritual direction, Pastor
William Baum was following in the footsteps of his brother, Father
George Baum, who serves as the rector of St. Timothy's Episcopal Church
and one half of the band "Lost and Found"; and

WHEREAS, On top of his pastorate at St. Barnabas Lutheran Church,
Pastor William Baum has served on the Executive Committee of the
Metropolitan New York Synod 2000-2015; as Dean of Southwest Queens
Lutherans; chair of the synod's Ethics Dialogue on Ministry with Gay and
Lesbian People; chair of the synod's Congregational Viability Committee;
chair of the Lutheran and Roman Catholic Dialogue; and chair of the
synod's Gathered Strategic Plan Committee; and

WHEREAS, Pastor William Baum chaplains the local volunteer fire
department, gives of his time as CEO of a host of local Boy Scout and
Girl Scout Troops, served for many chilly winters as an off-ice official
manning the New York City Cyclones penalty box and scoreboard, and used
his video production and website design skills to submit an entry in the
World Trade Center Memorial design competition; and

WHEREAS, When his beloved Howard Beach church was devastated by
Hurricane Sandy in October of 2012, Pastor William Baum worked
diligently with his congregation and other members of the community to
rebuild and rededicate the sanctuary at 159-19 98th Street by November
of 2013; and

WHEREAS, Pastor William Baum is married to Reverend Brooke L.
Swertfager, the pastor of the Christ Lutheran Church in Manhattan; in
addition to being the guardians of Northford, an eastern box turtle, the
couple are the proud parents of "two tall sons" who are, like the rest
of the family, avid hockey players and fans; and

WHEREAS, In his many and varied endeavors, Pastor William Baum has
brought great joy, energy, talent and dedication to serving the needs of
his congregation at St. Barnabas Lutheran Church, whether through
providing spiritual guidance and communion to his parishioners or by
reaching out to the larger community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
recognize and congratulate Pastor William Baum upon the occasion of
celebrating the 25th Anniversary of his ordination; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Pastor William Baum.