Honor Byron Church Anniversary

Senate Resolution No. 4013 BY: Senator RANZENHOFER COMMEMORATING the 200th Anniversary of the First Presbyterian Church of Byron, 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, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the 200th Anniversary of the First Presbyterian Church of Byron, New York; this momentous occasion will be celebrated throughout the year, commencing with the Brides of Byron event on Saturday, April

1827, under the pastorate of the Reverend Lewis Cheeseman, and the present church building was erected in 1830; the church transferred to the Presbyterian denomination in 1845; and WHEREAS, Extensive renovations occurred in 1896, when the sanctuary was raised, and various rooms were added at the ground level; the original window casings representing the old floor level are still visible on the outside of the building; and WHEREAS, In the 1930's a lot adjacent to the church was acquired and transformed into a beautiful park, and in 1955 a new extension was added to the north end of the building, providing a large Fellowship Hall on the lower level, and classrooms on the upper level; and WHEREAS, To improve accessibility, a new side entrance and lift were added in 1999, made possible by generous pledges from church members and the community; and WHEREAS, Today, the church building is a striking presence in the center of Byron, and its church family includes people from all walks of life who have faithfully committed themselves to the hope of the Gospel by participating in weekly worship; and WHEREAS, The First Presbyterian Church of Byron offers numerous programs and organizations for the needs of its members, including Sunday School, choir, Bible study, women's organizations, youth groups, and more; and WHEREAS, From its earliest days, the First Presbyterian Church of Byron has had a strong commitment to the Christian mission; youth from the church enthusiastically participate in various hands-on mission projects in Watertown, Buffalo, and Orleans County; and WHEREAS, Under Pastor James R. Renfrew's luminous direction, the First Presbyterian Church of Byron 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 200th Anniversary of the First Presbyterian Church of Byron, New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Reverend James R. Renfrew, Pastor, First Presbyterian Church of Byron, New York.