Honor Church's 105th Anniversary

Senate Resolution No. 1987 BY: Senator BAILEY COMMEMORATING the 105th Anniversary of Butler Memorial United Methodist Church of the Bronx, 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, This Legislative Body takes pleasure in commemorating the 105th Anniversary of Butler Memorial United Methodist Church of the Bronx, New York; and WHEREAS, This auspicious milestone will be celebrated with a myriad of events including a Night of Prayer, Praise, Worship & Hymns on Wednesday, April 26, 2017; a Revival Service led by Reverend Alpher Sylvester on Thursday, April 27, 2017; a Youth Revival Service with Speaker, Elder Randy Cannon on Friday, April 28, 2017; and an Anniversary Luncheon with Guest Speaker Minister Jocelyn Mann on Saturday, April 29, 2017; as well as Anniversary Sunday Worship Services presided over by Reverend Dr. Allen N. Pinckney, Jr.; and WHEREAS, In 1912, Butler Memorial United Methodist Church began as a small group of people who worshipped in a living room; Reverend Gilbert Wilson became the first Pastor at "Little Butler" located at 706 East 233rd Street in the Bronx; and WHEREAS, In 1947, under the luminous leadership of Reverend William P. Johnson, Butler Memorial United Methodist Church increased its membership and expanded its services to the community; and WHEREAS, After a great deal of work, the Church was relocated to its present location at 3920 Paulding Avenue; on July 1, 1962, the congregation proudly marched from Little Butler to its brand new house of worship; and WHEREAS, From its humble beginnings of a few people in a room, the congregation of Butler Memorial United Methodist Church has grown to a flock of 700 strong which is led by Pastor, Reverend Dr. Allen N. Pinckney, Jr.; Assistant Pastor, Reverend Estella Abel; and Pastor Emeritus, Reverend Grandville Forde; and WHEREAS, For 105 years, Butler Memorial United Methodist Church has served as a beloved community of hope and which, proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ, provide fellowship for all of God's people, and equip persons for ministry within the Church and the wider community; and WHEREAS, Some of these ministries include United Methodist Men, United Methodist Women, Health and Welfare, Health and Healing, Evangelism, Worship, Youth, Church and Society, Lay Speakers, Scholarships, Missions, Dance, Music, and Acolyte; and WHEREAS, For more than a century, Butler Memorial United Methodist Church has strived to revive its community, mind, body and spirit; and WHEREAS, Butler Memorial 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 105th Anniversary of Butler Memorial United Methodist Church of the Bronx, New York, 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 copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Reverend Dr. Allen N. Pinckney, Jr., Pastor; The Reverend Estella Abel, Pastor; and The Reverend Grandville Forde, Pastor Emeritus, Butler Memorial United Methodist Church.