Senate Resolution No. 1987

BY: Senator BAILEY

COMMEMORATING the 105th Anniversary of Butler
Memorial United Methodist Church of the Bronx, 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
105th Anniversary of Butler Memorial United Methodist Church of the
Bronx, New York; and

WHEREAS, This auspicious milestone will be celebrated with a myriad
of events including a Night of Prayer, Praise, Worship & Hymns on
Wednesday, April 26, 2017; a Revival Service led by Reverend Alpher
Sylvester on Thursday, April 27, 2017; a Youth Revival Service with
Speaker, Elder Randy Cannon on Friday, April 28, 2017; and an
Anniversary Luncheon with Guest Speaker Minister Jocelyn Mann on
Saturday, April 29, 2017; as well as Anniversary Sunday Worship Services
presided over by Reverend Dr. Allen N. Pinckney, Jr.; and

WHEREAS, In 1912, Butler Memorial United Methodist Church began as a
small group of people who worshipped in a living room; Reverend Gilbert
Wilson became the first Pastor at "Little Butler" located at 706 East
233rd Street in the Bronx; and

WHEREAS, In 1947, under the luminous leadership of Reverend William
P. Johnson, Butler Memorial United Methodist Church increased its
membership and expanded its services to the community; and

WHEREAS, After a great deal of work, the Church was relocated to its
present location at 3920 Paulding Avenue; on July 1, 1962, the
congregation proudly marched from Little Butler to its brand new house
of worship; and

WHEREAS, From its humble beginnings of a few people in a room, the
congregation of Butler Memorial United Methodist Church has grown to a
flock of 700 strong which is led by Pastor, Reverend Dr. Allen N.
Pinckney, Jr.; Assistant Pastor, Reverend Estella Abel; and Pastor
Emeritus, Reverend Grandville Forde; and

WHEREAS, For 105 years, Butler Memorial United Methodist Church has
served as a beloved community of hope and which, proclaiming the Good
News of Jesus Christ, provide fellowship for all of God's people, and
equip persons for ministry within the Church and the wider community;
and

WHEREAS, Some of these ministries include United Methodist Men,
United Methodist Women, Health and Welfare, Health and Healing,

Evangelism, Worship, Youth, Church and Society, Lay Speakers,
Scholarships, Missions, Dance, Music, and Acolyte; and

WHEREAS, For more than a century, Butler Memorial United Methodist
Church has strived to revive its community, mind, body and spirit; and

WHEREAS, Butler Memorial United Methodist Church stands on the
threshold of tomorrow, prepared 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 105th Anniversary of Butler Memorial United Methodist
Church of the Bronx, 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 copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Reverend Dr. Allen N. Pinckney, Jr., Pastor; The
Reverend Estella Abel, Pastor; and The Reverend Grandville Forde, Pastor
Emeritus, Butler Memorial United Methodist Church.