Honor Farmingdale Church Anniversary

Senate Resolution No. 1528 BY: Senator HANNON COMMEMORATING the 175th Anniversary of the Farmingdale United Methodist Church of Farmingdale, New York, on May 20, 2017 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, This Legislative Body takes pleasure in commemorating the 175th Anniversary of the Farmingdale United Methodist Church of Farmingdale, New York, to be celebrated with a Gala Dinner on Saturday,

May 20, 2017; and WHEREAS, The theme for this auspicious milestone is "Remember, Rejoice, Renew"; and WHEREAS, Since its inception, the Farmingdale United Methodist Church has been a center of Christian life in its community through its spiritual leadership, mission and social action, outreach and providing weekly meals at its Soup Group; and WHEREAS, Today, under the luminous leadership of Pastor Gunshik Shim, the church has continued to foster personal growth and strengthen a relationship with God by opening its doors to the community through special holiday programs, music recitals, JC Cafe concerts, vacation bible school and yearly 9/11 observances; and WHEREAS, The Farmingdale United Methodist Church was established in

1842 as the Methodist Society of Farmingdale led by Philip Ketcham; the organizational meeting was held in his home on Sunday, March 29, 1842, when the land for the first Methodist meeting house in Farmingdale was given to the Society by Ambrose George; and WHEREAS, After the property was sold on July 16, 1925, the Methodist Society of Farmingdale served as a preaching station on the Huntington circuit and later on the Amityville circuit; on September 19, 1926, the cornerstone was laid for the new church building, and the original bell, organ, and pews were installed; on May 1, 1927, the present church building was dedicated; and WHEREAS, In 1939, the Methodist Society of Farmingdale was officially renamed the Farmingdale United Methodist Church; and WHEREAS, During the 1950s, there was a period of unparalleled growth in the population of Farmingdale and the surrounding area; the Farmingdale United Methodist Church responded to this surge in membership by completing the Educational Building on Grant Avenue; the building was dedicated on September 9, 1956, and continues to serve the church and community to this day; and WHEREAS, On October 14, 1962, J. Walter Denon donated a New Concert Austin pipe organ in memory of his wife, Mae; the organ is well known in the area and is truly appreciated not only by the members of the congregation, but also by those who attend organ concerts which are part of the church program for the community; and WHEREAS, The 1970s and 1980s saw the renovation of the Fellowship Hall and the installation of the elevator for handicap access to all levels of the church; and WHEREAS, During the 1990s, the population mix changed with more and more new young families becoming an active part of the Farmingdale United Methodist Church; a pre-school nursery was established providing early child care for all members of the community, and an Adult Day Care Center began to serve this growing segment of its community; and WHEREAS, For 175 years, the faithful members of the Farmingdale United Methodist Church have worshipped amidst a caring and familial congregation who has joyfully demonstrated their capacity to love their neighbors and to share repeatedly; and WHEREAS, The Farmingdale United Methodist 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 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 175th Anniversary of the Farmingdale United Methodist Church, fully 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 Gunshik Shim, Pastor, the Farmingdale United Methodist Church.