Senate Resolution No. 1850

BY: Senator PARKER

COMMENDING The Reverend Dr. Robert Waterman,
Pastor of the Antioch Baptist Church, Brooklyn, New
York, upon the occasion of hosting the "Praise and
Worship" Service on Sunday, February 7, 2022

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 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
commend The Reverend Dr. Robert Waterman, Pastor of the Antioch Baptist
Church, Brooklyn, New York, upon the occasion of hosting the "Praise and
Worship" Service on Sunday, February 7, 2022; and

WHEREAS, In recognition of the observance of both February as Black
History Month and February 7, 2022, as National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness
Day, this auspicious Service will pay just tribute and salute the
Antioch Baptist Church's Modern Day 2022 Historians; and

WHEREAS, The Antioch Baptist Church was a non-incorporated
organization that was known to consist of Deacon George Williams, Deacon
Clarence Johnson, Sister Lillian Johnson, Reverend Benne Baker, Sister
Mary Hall, Sister Mamie Travis, Sister Eva Bryant, Sister Rosa Franklin,
and Sister Hollen Jackson; and

WHEREAS, These members sought leadership at a time when the Black
contribution of the "City of Churches" began to be felt through the
proliferation and growth of Black churches in Brooklyn; and

WHEREAS, It was then Reverend Moses Prophet Paylor, D.D.,
(1877-1958), a native of Mebane, North Carolina, was called; this
zealous minister is credited with founding and organizing the Antioch
Baptist Church in 1918; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Dr. Robert M. Waterman graduated from New York
Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity in May of 2003 and
received his Doctorate of Ministry from Drew University in May of 2009;
and

WHEREAS, He served as the Associate Pastor and Youth Pastor at Union
Baptist Church in White Plains, New York; he brought many gifts to the
Antioch Baptist Church, the most notable being his exuberance of youth,
a willingness to get the job done, and ebullient spirituality; and

WHEREAS, By the time of his official installation in February of
2002, Reverend Dr. Robert M. Waterman had already been hard at work at
the Church since November 4, 2001; this was evidenced by new seats in

the balcony, a large influx of youth to fill them, an after-school
homework program, and revival of the Wednesday night Bible study; and

WHEREAS, Today, Reverend Dr. Robert M. Waterman continues to expound
his ministry of "Restoring Life by Destroying the Barriers . . ."
(Ephesians 2:14) that separate Christians from each other and the
community at large; and

WHEREAS, Under the divine guidance of Reverend Dr. Robert M.
Waterman, the Antioch Baptist 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 sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals and events of such noble aims and accomplishments are
brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by
all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend The Reverend Dr. Robert Waterman, Pastor of the Antioch Baptist
Church, Brooklyn, New York, upon the occasion of hosting the "Praise and
Worship" Service; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Reverend Dr. Robert Waterman, Pastor, Antioch Baptist
Church, Brooklyn, New York,