Senate Resolution No. 2419

BY: Senator BRESLIN

COMMEMORATING the 90th Anniversary of Wilborn
Temple First Church of God in Christ, Inc.

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, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 90th Anniversary of Wilborn Temple First Church of God
in Christ, Inc.; this momentous occasion will be recognized with a
Celebration Service on Sunday, May 28, 2017; and

WHEREAS, Since 1927, the Wilborn Temple First Church of God in
Christ, Inc. has been a house of worship, beginning when Mother
Charlotte Resper, a missionary from Buffalo, New York, came to conduct a
revival at Union Missionary Baptist Church; and

WHEREAS, There were several preachers who came for short periods of
time, but when Elder L. W. Parsons came, he moved the congregation
around and membership began increasing; and

WHEREAS, Upon the passing of Elder L. W. Parsons, the mantel of
leadership rested on the shoulders of Assistant Pastor, Elder William M.
Wilborn who was appointed Pastor on January 11, 1940; under his
leadership, the church debt was paid off and the building was
beautifully remodeled and expanded to accommodate the growing
congregation; and

WHEREAS, Today, the Wilborn Temple First Church of God in Christ,
Inc. offers numerous programs and organizations for the needs of its
members; and

WHEREAS, Under Pastor Solomon Dees' luminous direction, the Wilborn
Temple First Church of God in Christ, Inc. 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 sense of this Legislative Body that those
enduring religious institutions which enhance the well-being and
vitality of their community and have shown a long and sustained
commitment to excellence certainly have earned the recognition and
applause of all citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be
it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 90th Anniversary of Wilborn Temple First Church of God
in Christ, Inc.; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Elder Solomon Dees, Pastor, the Wilborn Temple First
Church of God in Christ, Inc., Albany, New York.