2017-J3360

Commemorating the 200th Anniversary of Westernville Presbyterian Church on January 21, 2018

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2017-J3360



Senate Resolution No. 3360

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMEMORATING the 200th Anniversary of
Westernville Presbyterian Church on January 21, 2018

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 200th Anniversary of Westernville Presbyterian Church,
to be celebrated with a special dedication worship service on Sunday,
January 21, 2018; and

WHEREAS, The First Presbyterian Church and Religious Society of the
Town of Western was organized at the initiative of its earliest settlers
who, in 1810, pledged to fund the establishment of a meeting place for
addressing the spiritual needs of the community; and

WHEREAS, Constructed in the Village of Westernville and dedicated on
January 15, 1818, the church building was originally shared by three
denominations: Presbyterians, Methodists and Baptists; and

WHEREAS, During this time, the joint use of the building fell on
hard financial times and in 1830, the notable town father, George
Brayton, settled the debts of the society and purchased and deeded the
church to the Presbyterian congregation; and

WHEREAS, Since its inception, Westernville Presbyterian Church has
undergone many renovations including the addition of a steeple and
narthex; in 1892, a chapel was constructed on the east side and electric
wiring was installed as it became available in the town; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, in the 1950s, the basement was excavated to
make space for Sunday school classrooms and social gatherings; and

WHEREAS, Many notable pastors served the congregation over the years
including its longest serving minister, Reverend Chester P. Lippy, who
served from 1965 to 2003, and who currently serves as pastor emeritus;
and

WHEREAS, Following his illustrious tenure, Westernville Presbyterian
Church called its first female minister, Reverend Sarah Schmidt-Lee, who
was succeeded by its current leader, Reverend Jeff Courter, an army
veteran who served in the Afghanistan conflict; and

WHEREAS, The constancy of the Westernville Presbyterian Church
speaks to the vision and commitment of its original founders and
congregations; and

WHEREAS, Over its distinguished 200 year history, Westernville
Presbyterian Church has demonstrated continuous service to the residents
and communities which it serves; and

WHEREAS, The success of Westernville Presbyterian Church is in
direct correlation to the efforts of its clergy, whose involvement is,
and always has been, characterized by an impressive commitment, an
unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in
all endeavors on behalf of the organization and the community it serves;
and

WHEREAS, Under the luminous direction of Reverend Jeff Courter,
Westernville Presbyterian 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 200th Anniversary of Westernville Presbyterian Church on
January 21, 2018; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Reverend Jeff Courter, Westernville Presbyterian Church.

actions

  • 05 / Jan / 2018
    • REFERRED TO FINANCE
  • 09 / Jan / 2018
    • REPORTED TO CALENDAR FOR CONSIDERATION
  • 09 / Jan / 2018
    • ADOPTED

Resolution Details

Law Section:
Resolutions, Legislative

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