Honor St. Albans Leaders

Senate Resolution No. 1025 BY: Senator COMRIE HONORING The Reverend Dr. Curtis T. Harding, Jr. and First Lady Inez L. Harding for their steadfast and unremitting commitment to St. Albans Baptist Church after 35 years of devoted service 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 Reverend Dr. Curtis T. Harding, Jr. and First Lady Inez L. Harding for their steadfast and unremitting commitment to St. Albans Baptist Church after 35 years of devoted service to be celebrated on Saturday,

May 4, 2019; and WHEREAS, Born in Lockland, Ohio, Curtis T. Harding, Jr. and his parents moved to Brooklyn, New York, where he grew up and attended public schools; and WHEREAS, Curtis T. Harding, Jr. was called to preach as a young man while attending the Alpha Pentecostal Church; he valiantly served in the United States Air Force for two years, before receiving an Honorable discharge; and WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service, Curtis T. Harding, Jr. began his illustrious 20-year career as a Police Officer; during this time, he attended the Allen African Methodist Episcopal Church where he attended Bible seminary and was ordained and served as an associate minister for five years; and WHEREAS, Reverend Dr. Curtis T. Harding, Jr. was called to pastor the St. Albans Baptist Church in 1984; he continued the Building Fund program and broke ground for the new sanctuary in 1985; just two years later the sanctuary was complete; and WHEREAS, A true asset to his community, Reverend Dr. Curtis T. Harding, Jr. is a past president of the Baptist Ministers Conference of Queens and Vicinity, as well as a member of the Eastern Baptist Association, Empire Baptist Association, National Baptist USA, Inc., The American Baptist Churches, and Queens Federation of Churches; and WHEREAS, Reverend Dr. Curtis T. Harding, Jr. holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from John Jay College and a Masters of Divinity degree from New York Theological Seminary; in addition, he was bestowed Doctor of Divinity degrees from Martha's Vineyard Theological Seminary and James M. Teamer School of Religion; and WHEREAS, Reverend Dr. Curtis T. Harding, Jr. and First Lady Inez L. Harding have been married for 53 years; today, they are the proud parents of two children and the loving grandparents of two grandchildren; and WHEREAS, Reverend Dr. Curtis T. Harding, Jr. and First Lady Inez L. Harding have brought to their ministry an overwhelming spirit of charity and compassion, acting from vision and enlightenment in conducting their administrative and spiritual duties, while always displaying the highest standards of personal and professional integrity and dedication; and WHEREAS, This distinguished man and woman of God have always given enlightenment, guidance and wisdom to the many entrusted to their care and have 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 honor The Reverend Dr. Curtis T. Harding, Jr. and First Lady Inez L. Harding for their steadfast and unremitting commitment to St. Albans Baptist Church after 35 years of devoted service; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Reverend Dr. Curtis T. Harding, Jr. and First Lady Inez L. Harding, St. Albans Baptist Church.