Honor Wilborn Temple Anniversary

Senate Resolution No. 2419 BY: Senator BRESLIN COMMEMORATING the 90th Anniversary of Wilborn Temple First Church of God in Christ, Inc. 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 90th Anniversary of Wilborn Temple First Church of God in Christ, Inc.; this momentous occasion will be recognized with a Celebration Service on Sunday, May 28, 2017; and WHEREAS, Since 1927, the Wilborn Temple First Church of God in Christ, Inc. has been a house of worship, beginning when Mother Charlotte Resper, a missionary from Buffalo, New York, came to conduct a revival at Union Missionary Baptist Church; and WHEREAS, There were several preachers who came for short periods of time, but when Elder L. W. Parsons came, he moved the congregation around and membership began increasing; and WHEREAS, Upon the passing of Elder L. W. Parsons, the mantel of leadership rested on the shoulders of Assistant Pastor, Elder William M. Wilborn who was appointed Pastor on January 11, 1940; under his leadership, the church debt was paid off and the building was beautifully remodeled and expanded to accommodate the growing congregation; and WHEREAS, Today, the Wilborn Temple First Church of God in Christ, Inc. offers numerous programs and organizations for the needs of its members; and WHEREAS, Under Pastor Solomon Dees' luminous direction, the Wilborn Temple First Church of God in Christ, Inc. 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 sense of this Legislative Body that those enduring religious institutions which enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the 90th Anniversary of Wilborn Temple First Church of God in Christ, Inc.; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Elder Solomon Dees, Pastor, the Wilborn Temple First Church of God in Christ, Inc., Albany, New York.