Honor Reverend Nisbett’s Retirement

Senate Resolution No. 1014 BY: Senator COMRIE HONORING The Very Reverend J. Mastine Nisbett, D. Min., upon the occasion of his retirement after 34 years of devoted service to St. David's Episcopal Church of Cambria Heights, New York 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 honor The Very Reverend J. Mastine Nisbett, D. Min., upon the occasion of his retirement after 34 years of devoted service to St. David's Episcopal Church of Cambria Heights, New York, to be recognized on Saturday, May

4, 2019, with a Celebratory Eucharist followed by a Luncheon at Antun's in Queens Village; and WHEREAS, The Very Reverend J. Mastine Nisbett began his illustrious career as Rector of St. David's Episcopal Church on February 6, 1985, during which time he was instrumental in the construction of the church's new edifice which was dedicated in 1992; and WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island, The Very Reverend J. Mastine Nisbett was a member of the Board of Trustees of Episcopal Health Services, as well as a member of the Stewardship Committee and the Committee on Architecture; and WHEREAS, Furthermore, he was appointed Dean of the Jamaica Deanery in June of 2000, the esteemed position he continues to hold today; and WHEREAS, The Very Reverend J. Mastine Nisbett is the author of the book, A Journey to the Promised Land, The Struggle of a Suburban Church to Build an Edifice, which was published in 2011; and WHEREAS, Prior to leading St. David's Episcopal Church, The Very Reverend J. Mastine Nisbett served as Rector of St. George's Church in Antigua; and WHEREAS, J. Mastine Nisbett graduated from University of the West Indies in 1975, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theology; he went on to earn a Master of Arts degree in Religious Education/Pastoral Counseling from Fordham University in 1989, before receiving his Doctor of Ministry degree from University of the South in 2004; and WHEREAS, The Very Reverend J. Mastine Nisbett has brought to his ministry an overwhelming spirit of charity and compassion, acting from vision and enlightenment in conducting his administrative and spiritual duties, while always displaying the highest standards of personal and professional integrity and dedication; and WHEREAS, This distinguished man of God has always given enlightenment, guidance and wisdom to the many entrusted to his care and has administered abundantly and unstintingly to the spiritual and corporal needs of all; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when a person of such noble aims and accomplishments is brought to our attention it is appropriate to publicly and jubilantly proclaim and commend that individual for the edification of others; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend The Very Reverend J. Mastine Nisbett, D. Min., upon the occasion of his retirement after 34 years of devoted service to St. David's Episcopal Church of Cambria Heights, New York, noting his unremitting and compassionate faith and his exemplary service to God, man, and his community, and extending to him the heartfelt best wishes of this Legislative Body for a future of purposeful success and well-being; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Very Reverend J. Mastine Nisbett, D. Min., St. David's Episcopal Church, Cambria Heights, New York.