Senate Resolution No. 2488

BY: Senator LAVALLE

COMMEMORATING the 300th Anniversary of the Orient
Congregational Church of Orient, New York, to be
celebrated on August 12, 2017

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
300th Anniversary of the Orient Congregational Church of Orient, New
York, to be celebrated at a Gala Dinner on Saturday, August 12, 2017;
and

WHEREAS, In addition, this monumental milestone will be recognized
with a myriad of events throughout the year; and

WHEREAS, Founded in 1717, the Orient Congregational Church is the
oldest United Church of Christ Church in New York State; the current
building, with its beautiful Tiffany-style windows, was constructed in
1843; and

WHEREAS, The members and friends of Orient Congregational Church
welcome everyone, regardless of ethnic heritage, sexual orientation, and
religious backgrounds; and

WHEREAS, The Orient Congregational Church truly believes that every
person is unique and valuable, and on their own spiritual journey; the
Church also believes in the power of peace, and diligently works for
non-violent solutions to local, national, and international issues; and

WHEREAS, Composed of approximately 1.2 million members, the United
Church of Christ (UCC) strives to balance congregational autonomy with a
strong commitment to unity among its nearly 5,600 congregations; and

WHEREAS, Under the luminous leadership of Pastor, Reverend Dr. Ann
M. Van Cleef, the Orient Congregational 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 300th Anniversary of the Orient Congregational Church to
be observed on August 12, 2017, 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 a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Reverend Dr. Ann M. Van Cleef, Pastor, Orient
Congregational Church.