Senate Resolution No. 2549

BY: Senator STEWART-COUSINS

COMMEMORATING the 100th Anniversary of the Greater
New Zion FBH Church of White Plains, New York

WHEREAS, The quality and character of life in New York State is
greatly enriched by its religious institutions and the faithful and
generous service of those who devote themselves to endeavors of family,
faith, and community; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend institutions of such magnanimous conduct and bearing which
demonstrate a deep and continuing concern for others, and in so doing,
inspire others to do the same; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Greater New Zion FBH Church of
White Plains, New York; and

WHEREAS, In May of 1922, a group of seven devout Christians from
White Plains, New York, who formed a group for the sole purpose of
serving God and worshipping together, sent for the Elder of the Fire
Baptized Holiness (FBH) Church of the Americas; and

WHEREAS, Elder C.A. Mills came to White Plains and brought with him
Sister Mary F. Bell and Sister Alice Hutchinson, who he appointed as
Pastor of this new congregation; and

WHEREAS, In 1925, the church group occupied a place on Warren Avenue
and remained there until 1927, when Reverend Henry Long lead the
building of the Greater New Zion FBH Church on its present site; and

WHEREAS, Through the years, this vital institution continued to grow
and in 1958, Pastor Dr. J.J. Martin made many necessary improvements,
including new lighting, pews, bathrooms and windows, as well as a
kitchen and dining room, a new heating system and a study; and

WHEREAS, Dr. J.J. Martin remained as Pastor for 24 years until his
election as Presiding Bishop of the Third Episcopal Diocese of the FBH
Church Movement in 1982; and

WHEREAS, In November of 1991, during the annual convention for the
Charleston, South Carolina District, Reverend Lee Cobbs was sent to
White Plains to serve as Pastor of the Greater New Zion FBH Church; he
was an extraordinary preacher, leader and educator, and was instrumental
in the establishment of the church's annual week-long anniversary
celebrations; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Elton Willoughby was then assigned as Pastor of
the church in October of 1997; and

WHEREAS, Today, under the able leadership of its Pastor and District
President, Reverend Alfreda Poinsette, and its District Elder, Mark A.
Ballew, the Greater New Zion FBH Church now stands on the threshold of

tomorrow, prepared to meet the challenges of the coming decades, while
retaining that spiritual resolve which has so characterized its glorious
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
acknowledge and pay just tribute to the Greater New Zion FBH Church of
White Plains, New York, upon the joyous occasion of its 100th
Anniversary, noting with gratitude and respect the ministry it caringly
provides on behalf of its congregation; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Reverend Alfreda Poinsette, Pastor and New England
District President; and The Reverend Mark A. Ballew, New England
District Elder, Greater New Zion FBH Church.