Honor Church's 100th Anniversary

Senate Resolution No. 1544 BY: Senator MARTINEZ COMMENDING Grace African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church of Patchogue, New York, upon the occasion of celebrating its 100th Anniversary on May 18, 2019 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, This Legislative Body takes pleasure in commending Grace African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church upon the occasion of its 100th Anniversary to be celebrated on Saturday, May 18, 2019; and WHEREAS, In the summer of 1918, a group of interested community members met at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Joaquin for the purpose of organizing a church; the following were elected officers of this newly formed mission: trustee board members consisted of Arthur P. Yancy, President; David C. Joaquin, Secretary; and Arthur Joaquin, Treasurer; stewardess board members consisted of Mrs. Arthur P. Yancy, President; Mrs. Glenwood E. Hunter, Secretary; and Mrs. Arthur Joaquin, Treasurer; and WHEREAS, For a couple of years, Reverend Caleb Edwards, and then Reverend Harry Wilson conducted religious services at the Joaquin's home; after many fundraising events, a vacant lot was purchased, followed by a church building which was then relocated to the corner of Cleveland Street and Grant Place in 1920; and WHEREAS, This church was named Grace African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Zion Church, and its first pastor was Reverend T.H. Edwards; and WHEREAS, Throughout its history, several ministers have given generously of their time, energy, and travel to Grace A.M.E. Zion Church; each in their own way, whether spiritually, physically, or financially, has added to the growth and success of the Church, in beautification, strength, love, and fellowship; and WHEREAS, Through the years, Grace A.M.E. Episcopal Zion Church has experienced many changes; today, under the luminous leadership of Reverend Jessie Fields, it is the oldest African American Church in Patchogue, and continues to build on the firm foundation of their forefathers with the cooperation of their congregation and dedicated leaders; and WHEREAS, Grace A.M.E. Zion Church 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 commend Grace African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church upon the occasion of celebrating its 100th Anniversary on May 18, 2019, 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 The Reverend Jessie Fields, Grace African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church.