Senate Resolution No. 3149

BY: Senator PARKER

MOURNING the death of His Grace Bishop David B.
Gates II, distinguished citizen and devoted member
of his community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Bishop David B. Gates II, President of the Hempstead Board
of Education and Senior Pastor of The Cathedral at Miracle Christian
Center in Hempstead, died on Wednesday, March 25, 2020, at the age of
56; and

WHEREAS, Bishop David B. Gates II held many degrees, including:
Doctorate in Sacred Theology, United Christian College, New York, New
York; Master's in Religious Education and Theology, United Christian
College, New York, New York; Bachelor's in Religious Education, OMK
Religious Institute, COGIC, Freeport, New York; and a Bachelor of
Science, Lincoln University, Lincoln, Pennsylvania; in addition, he
earned a Certificate in Counseling from the Refuge Bible Institute; and

WHEREAS, He distinguished himself in his profession and by his
sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of his
community; and

WHEREAS, Known in the faith-based community as a Generational
Leader, Bishop David B. Gates II was an establishmentarian who served
pastor's, leaders, organizations and local communities for over five
decades; and

WHEREAS, His spiritual excellence and savvy business acumen
propelled him from Church Administrator and Elder to Assistant Pastor on
August 8, 2004; then, on March 14, 2009, he was installed to the office
of Senior Pastor of Miracle Christian Center; and

WHEREAS, His faithful service was honored, and his elevation was
evident; he was consecrated a Prince in The Lord's church on October 5,
2013; and

WHEREAS, Bishop David B. Gates II's commitment to excellence, and
his spirit of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise,
including charitable and civic endeavors; and

WHEREAS, Dedicated to his community, Bishop David B. Gates II was
instrumental in the success of many projects which truly benefitted
many, such as: the Annual Dream Big Back to School Rally, Annual
Community Outreach Day, Miracle Christian Center Food Pantry-Ministry,
Annual Giving Thanks Drive; Annual Joy of Giving Christmas Drive, MY &
MY 25+ Young and Young Adult Youth Ministries, and Grief Share, to name
a few; and

WHEREAS, Bishop David B. Gates II is survived by his Mother
Apostle-Designate Phyllis Young; his sister, Dr. Jacqueline R. Gates;
and two nieces, Brittney and Ashley; as well as one nephew, Jeremiah;
and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Bishop David B. Gates II leaves behind a legacy which will
long endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory
to all he served and befriended; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of His Grace Bishop David B. Gates II, and to express
its deepest condolences to his family; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Bishop David B. Gates II.