What's happening
This resolution commemorates the 200th anniversary of the First Presbyterian Church of Waterloo and the lowering of its Blue Star Service Flag after World War I.
Why it matters
Highlights the longstanding role of religious institutions. like the First Presbyterian Church in shaping community values, moral fabric, and civic engagement over two centuries.
Honors the sacrifice of local veterans. by commemorating the Blue Star Service Flag, which represented church members serving in World War I, connecting present-day remembrance to historical acts of service.
Emphasizes the preservation and rediscovery of local history. , as the lost Service Flag was found and returned to the church, demonstrating the ongoing importance of community heritage and memory.
Recognizes the influence of cornerstone organizations. on small towns, marking how a single church can be central to a community’s identity, growth, and capacity to honor its past.
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Headline styles
Honor Church, Lowered Service Flag
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Adopted
- Reported to calendar for consideration
- Referred to finance
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
Senate Resolution No. 907 BY: Senator HELMING COMMEMORATING the lowering of the Blue Star Service Flag at the conclusion of World War I and the 200th Anniversary of the First Presbyterian Church of Waterloo on March 19, 2017 WHEREAS, Religious institutions,… Show allHide
Senate Resolution No. 907 BY: Senator HELMING COMMEMORATING the lowering of the Blue Star Service Flag at the conclusion of World War I and the 200th Anniversary of the First Presbyterian Church of Waterloo on March 19, 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 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 lowering of the Blue Star Service Flag at the conclusion of World War I and the 200th Anniversary of the First Presbyterian Church of Waterloo to be celebrated on March 19, 2017, at a Service Flag Commemoration in honor of the lives of United States Veterans past and present, at the First Presbyterian Church of Waterloo, Waterloo, New York; and WHEREAS, The First Presbyterian Church of Waterloo was founded on
July 7, 1817, when a group of religiously inclined settlers met in a schoolhouse to organize a Presbyterian Church; later that year, the church was legally incorporated and became the pioneer religious organization in Waterloo; and WHEREAS, In March of 1821, Reverend Aaron Lane was installed as pastor and remained for 15 years; three years later, a house of worship was erected and became known as the Little White Church; in February of
1836, Reverend Samuel Gridley was installed as pastor, a role he held for 37 years; and WHEREAS, In 1817, the First Presbyterian Church of Waterloo was established with eight members; as time went on, the membership continued to grow; by 1850, the Church had become too small to accommodate the growing congregation; and WHEREAS, The cornerstone for the new church was laid on August 21,
1850, and was finished by November 12, 1851; after the completion of the building, the oldest bell in the Village of Waterloo was moved from the original Little White Church to the present church; and WHEREAS, During World War I, a Blue Star Service Flag hung on the Church Sanctuary Platform; the flag's 33 stars, represented the 33 men from the church serving in the war; after the war was over, on March 28,
1920, a special service was held to lower the flag; and WHEREAS, According to legend, the flag was given to a church elder and subsequently, the flag was misplaced; almost a century had passed before the flag was found for sale online by a museum volunteer;… Show allHide
1920, a special service was held to lower the flag; and WHEREAS, According to legend, the flag was given to a church elder and subsequently, the flag was misplaced; almost a century had passed before the flag was found for sale online by a museum volunteer; the volunteer and a board member purchased the flag to donate to the Terwilliger Museum; and WHEREAS, During the summer of 2016, the Presbyterian Church historian was at the museum when she stumbled upon the church's Service Flag; she was able to convince the Terwilliger Museum Director to allow the flag to be placed in the church's display case for the March 19th service, celebrating 200 years of service to the people of Waterloo; 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 lowering of the Blue Star Service Flag at the conclusion of World War I and the 200th Anniversary of the First Presbyterian Church of Waterloo, 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 Sarah West, Pastor, First Presbyterian Church of Waterloo.
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