Bill Text: NY K00628 | 2023-2024 | General Assembly | Introduced
Bill Title: Commemorating the 150th Anniversary of the First United Methodist Church of East Greenbush, New York
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2023-06-05 - adopted [K00628 Detail]
Download: New_York-2023-K00628-Introduced.html
Assembly Resolution No. 628 BY: M. of A. McDonald COMMEMORATING the 150th Anniversary of the First United Methodist Church of East Greenbush, New York 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 this 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 commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the First United Methodist Church of East Greenbush, New York; and WHEREAS, The history of the First United Methodist Church of East Greenbush is long and varied in service to the community and the world; and WHEREAS, The first meeting was held in 1836, during which time, homes, schools and even a local hotel ballroom were used as meeting places until 1873, when a Methodist Society was organized; trustees were elected and plans were made to build a church in East Greenbush; and WHEREAS, In 1874, the First United Methodist Church was built on Columbia Turnpike at the present day sites of Blue Crew Pools and the Big Red Doghouse; and WHEREAS, On October 15, 1874, 29 men and women transferred membership from the Greenbush Methodist Church in Rensselaer, New York, to the newly established East Greenbush Methodist Episcopal Church; and WHEREAS, By 1953, the congregation had outgrown the facilities on Columbia Turnpike, and land was purchased at the corner of Gilligan and Hays Roads; on Christmas Eve 1961, the first service was held in the new church; and WHEREAS, The First United Methodist Church continued to grow, and on February 9, 1969, Fellowship Hall and additional classrooms were dedicated; on June 1, 1970, a beautiful pipe organ was dedicated; from the days of the hand-pumped reed organ in the first church to the present time, music has always been a vital and joyful part of the congregation's worship experience; and WHEREAS, Furthermore, its Memorial Courtyard provides a place of beauty and serenity for peaceful meditation; and WHEREAS, Since its inception, the First United Methodist Church of East Greenbush has been deeply committed to the vision of providing a place for spiritual nourishment of both head and heart, and to lay the foundation for members and friends to make a difference in the community and the world; and WHEREAS, A true cornerstone in the community for 150 years, the First United Methodist Church is a strong and loving place to worship, as well as a beacon of light and resilience in the East Greenbush community; and WHEREAS, Today, under the able leadership of Pastor Danyal Mohammadzadeh, the First United Methodist Church of East Greenbush 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 commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the First United Methodist Church of East Greenbush, New York, confident that this commemoration reflects the belief in those values which enhance the dignity and purpose of life; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Pastor Danyal Mohammadzadeh, First United Methodist Church of East Greenbush, New York.