The New York State Senate

J2645

Senate Resolution No. 2645

BY: Senator COMRIE

COMMENDING The Reverend Karen Davis-Lawson upon
the occasion of her installation as Rector of St.
David's Episcopal Church on May 22, 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 custom 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
congratulate The Reverend Karen Davis-Lawson upon the occasion of her
installation as Rector of St. David's Episcopal Church to be celebrated
on Sunday, May 22, 2022; and

WHEREAS, Karen Davis was born in Trinidad, West Indies, where she
completed both her primary and secondary education before immigrating to
Brooklyn, New York; and

WHEREAS, Karen Davis earned her bachelor's degree and master's
degrees in arts and science from Brooklyn College; during this time, she
volunteered and then held the position of Director in an administrative
office at her alma mater and the Borough of Manhattan Community College;
and

WHEREAS, In addition, Karen Davis was an active member of the Church
of St. Mark in Brooklyn, New York, where she served on the vestry,
Stewardship Committee, as a Eucharistic Minister, and a volunteer in the
parish office; she was also a member and officer of the Young Adults,
Choir, Usher Board, Sunday School, and served on Brooklyn Youth
Ministries and a diocesan committee on lay ministries; and

WHEREAS, Following the loving example of faith set by her mother and
grandmother, and after making her confirmation and attending a Cursillo
weekend, Karen Davis answered the call to ordained ministry; in 2006,
she entered the General Theological Seminary in New York where in
addition to required courses, she elected to concentrate on preaching
and stewardship; and

WHEREAS, The following year, Karen Davis married Noel Lawson, and
they lived a beautiful and happy life until his death in 2020; and

WHEREAS, While at the Seminary, Karen Davis-Lawson served as a
sacristan, in the schola (choir), as a chimer, and on the Admissions'
Committee; in May of 2009, she received her Master of Divinity degree
and was ordained as a transitional deacon on June 22, 2009, and to the
priesthood on January 16, 2010; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Karen Davis-Lawson then served at the Church of
the Redeemer, Astoria (2009- 2011) and St. George's Church, Astoria
(2009-2021), before assuming the role of the third rector and the first
female rector at St. David's Episcopal Church, Cambria Heights, on
November 1, 2021; and

WHEREAS, In addition to her role at St. David's, Reverend Karen
Davis-Lawson is actively involved with the Diocese of Long Island,
serving as the Secretary of Convention and a member of the Committee on
Dispatch of Business and the Disciplinary Board, a clergy coach, and a
trainer in the Diocesan Church Development Institute; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Karen Davis-Lawson was the president and current
member of the Black Clergy Caucus, and a participant of the Union of
Black Episcopalians and the Cursillo community; and

WHEREAS, When she is not helping someone, Reverend Karen
Davis-Lawson enjoys traveling, singing and crocheting; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Karen Davis-Lawson has brought to her ministry an
overwhelming spirit of charity and compassion, acting from vision and
enlightenment in conducting her administrative and spiritual duties,
while always displaying the highest standards of personal and
professional integrity and dedication; and

WHEREAS, This distinguished woman of God has always given
enlightenment, guidance and wisdom to the many entrusted to her care and
has administered abundantly and unstintingly to the spiritual and
corporal needs of all; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense 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 The Reverend Karen Davis-Lawson upon the occasion of her
installation as Rector of St. David's Episcopal Church on May 22, 2022,
noting her unremitting and compassionate faith and her exemplary service
to God and her community, and extending to her heartfelt best wishes for
a future of continued purposeful success and well-being; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Reverend Karen Davis-Lawson, St. David's Episcopal
Church.