Honor Reverend Brown’s 50 Years

Assembly Resolution No. 252 BY: M. of A. Palmesano COMMENDING The Reverend Lewis E. Brown upon the occasion of celebrating the 50th Anniversary of his Ordination to the Priesthood WHEREAS, The character and richness of religious and community life in this noble Empire State is nourished and fulfilled through the faithful concern and selfless devotion of those who would commit their energies and purpose to the ministry of others; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to bring full recognition and just tribute to those individuals who distinguish themselves and the ministry through their unremitting commitment and preeminence of service; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend The Reverend Lewis E. Brown upon the occasion of celebrating the 50th Anniversary of his Ordination to the Priesthood; and WHEREAS, Father Lewis E. Brown was born and raised in Elmira, New York, where he attended both St. Mary's Elementary School and Notre Dame High School; after graduation, he received his college and theological education at St. Andrew's and St. Bernard's; and WHEREAS, In June of 1967, Father Lewis E. Brown was ordained into the Priesthood for the Diocese of Rochester by Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen; and WHEREAS, From 1967-1985, Father Lewis E. Brown served as an Associate Pastor in several diocesan parishes including Church of the Assumption in Fairport, St. Alphonsus in Auburn, St. Ann's in Hornell, and Immaculate Conception in Ithaca; he also worked in the diocesan Office of Religious Education; and WHEREAS, For the next 22 years, Father Lewis E. Brown proudly served his country as an Active Duty Catholic Chaplain in the United States Navy; in this capacity, he served with the Marines in Okinawa, Japan; the Submariners in the State of Washington; the Destroyer and Frigate squadrons in Norfolk, Virginia; and the Naval Aviators in Virginia Beach, Virginia; and WHEREAS, In addition, Father Lewis E. Brown was a member of the Chaplain Resource Board in Norfolk, and worked at the Naval Service Training Command Station in Great Lakes, Illinois, and the Washington Navy Yard in Washington, DC with duty at Arlington National Cemetery; and WHEREAS, After his discharge, Father Lewis E. Brown retired to the diocese where he was assigned to All Saints Parish in Corning, New York; in 2012, he retired from parish ministry after serving 45 years as a priest of the Diocese of Rochester; and WHEREAS, Today, Father Lewis E. Brown continues to assist various parishes, mainly in the Southern Tier and at the VAMC in Bath, New York; and WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individual for the benefit of others which Father Lewis E. Brown has displayed throughout his life; and WHEREAS, The spiritual guidance and nurturing of the citizens of the State of New York are of great importance to the vitality and well-being of our communities; and WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to bring full recognition and just tribute to men and women of religious commitment who accept the responsibility of moral leadership and render the wisdom of human understanding; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend The Reverend Lewis E. Brown upon the occasion of celebrating the 50th Anniversary of his Ordination to the Priesthood; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Reverend Lewis E. Brown.