Congratulate Reverend Bonebrake Retirement

Senate Resolution No. 1544 BY: Senator SEWARD CONGRATULATING The Reverend Gary W. Bonebrake, D. Min., upon the occasion of his retirement after 22 years of distinguished service to Main Street Baptist Church in Oneonta, New York 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 Gary W. Bonebrake, D. Min., upon the occasion of his retirement after 22 years of distinguished service to Main Street Baptist Church in Oneonta, New York; and WHEREAS, This auspicious milestone will be celebrated at a party held in his honor on Thursday, April 27, 2017, at The Carriage House Event Center in Oneonta; in addition, the Main Street Baptist Church will host a coffee reception honoring Reverend Gary W. Bonebrake and his wife, Barbara, on Sunday, April 30, 2017; and WHEREAS, Reverend Gary W. Bonebrake was raised in Collinsville, Illinois; he earned his bachelor's degree in pastoral ministry from the Moody Bible Institute, and his Master of Divinity degree from Denver Theological Seminary; and WHEREAS, Reverend Gary W. Bonebrake furthered his education by obtaining his Master of Arts degree in Humanities with a concentration in Hebrew Bible from the University of Buffalo, and a Doctor of Ministry degree (D. Min.) from Covenant Theological Seminary in 2007; and WHEREAS, During the 1970s, Reverend Gary W. Bonebrake was the pastor of Wells Bridge Baptist Church in Wells Bridge, New York; from

1978-1987, he served as senior pastor of the Riverside Baptist Church in Buffalo, New York; and WHEREAS, Reverend Gary W. Bonebrake and his wife then served as missionaries in Europe where he was a professor at the German Bible Institute in Koenigsfeld; and WHEREAS, In 1995, Reverend Gary W. Bonebrake began his long and distinguished career at the Main Street Baptist Church; under his luminous leadership, the church expanded its pastoral staff, strengthened its educational program, and initiated several projects including the development of Bluefields Cafe, building improvements, ministry and program growth; and WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife; their two children, Jonathan Bonebrake, and Rachel (Steve) Nicoletti; and their three granddaughters, Olive, Rosemary, and Glory, all of whom have shown him love and support and rejoice in his many achievements; and WHEREAS, Reverend Gary W. Bonebrake 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 to the Word of God; 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 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 congratulate The Reverend Gary W. Bonebrake, D. Min., upon the occasion of his retirement after 22 years of distinguished service to Main Street Baptist Church in Oneonta, New York, noting his unremitting and compassionate faith and his exemplary service to God, man, and his flock, 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 The Reverend Gary W. Bonebrake, D. Min.