Assembly Resolution No. 361

BY: M. of A. Quart

COMMEMORATING the 250th Anniversary of The Brick
Presbyterian Church in the City of 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
250th Anniversary of The Brick Presbyterian Church in the City of New
York, to be celebrated with a Service of Worship on Sunday, March 12,
2017, and an Anniversary Banquet on Thursday, May 4, 2017; and

WHEREAS, Throughout its storied history, The Brick Presbyterian
Church in the City of New York has been committed to a mission of
worship, fellowship, ministry and education; and

WHEREAS, The Brick Presbyterian Church has been in continuous
operation since 1767, except for the years of the Revolutionary War,
when it was commandeered by the British forces for use as a hospital and
later as a brig; and

WHEREAS, The Church was an expansion of the flourishing First
Presbyterian Church at Wall Street, which had become so crowded that it
was plain a second church was necessary; its pastors, headed by the
Reverend Dr. John Rodgers, and its officers administered both churches;
The Brick Presbyterian Church did not become a separate and incorporated
entity until 1809; and

WHEREAS, After relocating three times, The Brick Presbyterian Church
is currently situated at Park Avenue and 91st Street; through the years,
the Church has been blessed with numerous gifted and distinguished
pastors; today, The Reverend Michael L. Lindvall leads the Church,
conducting his administrative and spiritual duties, while always
displaying the highest standards of personal and professional integrity
and dedication; and

WHEREAS, The Brick Presbyterian Church in the City of New York
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 250th Anniversary of the Brick Presbyterian Church in
the City of 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 a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Brick Presbyterian Church in the City of New York.