Senate Resolution No. 1976

BY: Senator PARKER

COMMENDING The Reverend Dr. Robert M. Waterman
upon the occasion of his 20th Pastoral Anniversary
to be celebrated on February 27, 2022

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

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to bring full
recognition and just tribute to those individuals who distinguish
themselves and the ministry through their unremitting commitment and
preeminence of service; 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 M. Waterman upon the occasion of his
20th Pastoral Anniversary to be celebrated on Sunday, February 27, 2022;
and

WHEREAS, Reverend Dr. Robert M. Waterman, affectionately known as
Pastor Rob, has served Antioch Baptist Church in Brooklyn, New York
since his installation in February of 2002; and

WHEREAS, Since his installation, Reverend Dr. Robert M. Waterman has
worked closely with the Youth Ministry, established leadership classes
and retreats, re-instituted the Christian Education Ministry,
spearheaded the purchase of a state-of-the-art sound system in the
sanctuary, and revived the Antioch Community Services for youth and
seniors; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Dr. Robert M. Waterman has brought many gifts to
his congregation, most notably his exuberance of youth, a willingness to
get the job done, and ebullient spirituality; he was also instrumental
in the magnificent renovation of the sanctuary; and

WHEREAS, Spiritually, Reverend Dr. Robert M. Waterman has been
labeled "The Preacher of Thunder," encouraging his congregation to know,
praise and worship God so their hearts and lives can be truly changed;
and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, each year of his extraordinary 20-year
pastorate, approximately 100 people have accepted Jesus Christ as their
personal Savior and have become a part of the Antioch Baptist Church
family; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his illustrious career as Pastor of Antioch
Baptist Church, Reverend Dr. Robert M. Waterman serves as a substitute
teacher in the New York public school system, truly enhancing the
quality of the educational programs and opportunities offered to local
youth; he also authored the book God Has Left the Building; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to his
community, Reverend Dr. Robert M. Waterman serves on Community Board 3
and as the former Chairperson of the Transportation Committee as well as
the current Ecumenical Committee Chairman; and

WHEREAS, A true asset to society, he is a member of the National
Black Commission on AIDS and the Chair of the "Securing our
Institutions" component of the Black Empowerment Convention; he also
serves as the Ecumenical Chair of the Black Leadership Commission on
AIDS (BLCA) in Brooklyn, New York, President of the African American
Clergy and Elected Officials (AACEO) in Brooklyn, and a lifetime member
of the NAACP; and

WHEREAS, Robert M. Waterman graduated from New York Theological
Seminary with a Master of Divinity in May of 2003; he went on to earn
his Doctor of Ministry from Drew University in May of 2009; and

WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his loving wife, Lady Lola
Oguntunde, and their three beautiful children, Nia Folasade, Imani
Oyinlola and Jada Simisola, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of
his life and rejoice in his many achievements; 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 custom 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, noting his unremitting and
compassionate faith and his exemplary service to God, man, and his
community, and extending to him the heartfelt best wishes of this
Legislative Body for a future of 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.