Honor Church’s 300th Anniversary

Senate Resolution No. 2488 BY: Senator LAVALLE COMMEMORATING the 300th Anniversary of the Orient Congregational Church of Orient, New York, to be celebrated on August 12, 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 300th Anniversary of the Orient Congregational Church of Orient, New York, to be celebrated at a Gala Dinner on Saturday, August 12, 2017; and WHEREAS, In addition, this monumental milestone will be recognized with a myriad of events throughout the year; and WHEREAS, Founded in 1717, the Orient Congregational Church is the oldest United Church of Christ Church in New York State; the current building, with its beautiful Tiffany-style windows, was constructed in

1843; and WHEREAS, The members and friends of Orient Congregational Church welcome everyone, regardless of ethnic heritage, sexual orientation, and religious backgrounds; and WHEREAS, The Orient Congregational Church truly believes that every person is unique and valuable, and on their own spiritual journey; the Church also believes in the power of peace, and diligently works for non-violent solutions to local, national, and international issues; and WHEREAS, Composed of approximately 1.2 million members, the United Church of Christ (UCC) strives to balance congregational autonomy with a strong commitment to unity among its nearly 5,600 congregations; and WHEREAS, Under the luminous leadership of Pastor, Reverend Dr. Ann M. Van Cleef, the Orient Congregational 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 300th Anniversary of the Orient Congregational Church to be observed on August 12, 2017, 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 The Reverend Dr. Ann M. Van Cleef, Pastor, Orient Congregational Church.