Senate Resolution No. 29

BY: Senator MONTGOMERY

COMMENDING Reverend Dr. Robert M. Waterman upon
the occasion of his 15th Pastoral Anniversary to be
celebrated on February 10, 2017

WHEREAS, The character and richness of religious and community life
in this noble Empire State are nourished and fulfilled through the
faithful concern and selfless devotion of those who commit their
energies and purpose to the ministry of others; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to bring full
recognition and just tribute to individuals who distinguish themselves
and the ministry through their unremitting commitment and preeminence of
service; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Reverend
Dr. Robert M. Waterman upon the occasion of his 15th Pastoral
Anniversary to be celebrated at an Evening of Fellowship and Elegant
Dining on Friday, February 10, 2017, at El Caribe Country Club,
Brooklyn, New York; and

WHEREAS, Born in Brooklyn, Robert M. Waterman was raised in
Hemingway, South Carolina; after moving back to New York, he earned his
undergraduate degrees in Social Science, Political Science and
Communication from The City University of New York, Hunter College; and

WHEREAS, While enrolled in college, Robert M. Waterman held a
full-time job as a Mechanical Engineer and remained in this position for
over 20 years; this industrious and bright young man was named to the
Dean's List and was the recipient of both the Belle Zeller Scholarship
and New York University Scholarship; and

WHEREAS, Robert M. Waterman furthered his education by obtaining his
master's degree from New York Theological Seminary and a Doctoral Degree
in Ministry from Drew University; and

WHEREAS, In 2001, Reverend Dr. Robert M. Waterman became the fifth
pastor of Antioch Baptist Church, which was organized in 1918, by a
group of Christian workers and dedicated leader and founder, Reverend
Dr. Moses Prophet Paylor; and

WHEREAS, Today, under Reverend Dr. Robert M. Waterman's luminous
leadership, the Antioch Baptist Church continues to build its
congregation and the Bedford Stuyvesant community through
revitalization, greater inclusiveness, and outreach ministry; and

WHEREAS, A dynamic and well-loved member of his community, Reverend
Dr. Robert M. Waterman has served in numerous leadership positions with
a variety of civic and cultural organizations including the NAACP, the
Black Brooklyn Empowerment Convention, the African American Clergy and
Elected Officials Organization of Brooklyn (AACEO), the Black Leadership
Commission on AIDS of New York City (BLCA), Watchful Eyes, and the
Central Brooklyn Flu Steering Committee, as well as Community Board No.

3 where he has served as Chair of the Ecumenical and Transportation
Committees; and

WHEREAS, In addition, Reverend Dr. Robert M. Waterman is a member of
several academic organizations such as Phi Theta Kappa Society,
International Scholastic Order and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.; and

WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Lola O. Waterman,
Esq. and his daughter, Nia Sade, both of whom feel privileged to be a
part of his life and rejoice in his accomplishments; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Dr. Robert M. Waterman has brought to his ministry
an 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, This distinguished man of God has always given
enlightenment, guidance and wisdom to the many entrusted to his care and
has administered abundantly and unstintingly to the spiritual and
corporal needs of all; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when a person
of such noble aims and accomplishments is brought to our attention it is
appropriate to publicly and jubilantly proclaim and commend that
individual for the edification of others; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Reverend Dr. Robert M. Waterman upon the occasion of his 15th
Pastoral Anniversary, noting his unremitting and compassionate faith and
his exemplary service to God, man, and his community, and extending to
him heartfelt best wishes for a future of continued purposeful success
and well-being; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Reverend Dr. Robert M. Waterman.