Honor St. John's Anniversary

Senate Resolution No. 2307 BY: Senator GRIFFO COMMEMORATING the 150th Anniversary of St. John's Episcopal Church of Massena, New York, to be celebrated on September 15, 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 commemorating the 150th Anniversary of St. John's Episcopal Church of Massena, New York, to be celebrated at an Open House with a multitude of activities including social gatherings, displays, photos, shared memories and a church tour of the windows and tapestry on Sunday, September 15, 2019; and WHEREAS, On June 21, 1868, the first regular Episcopal services were held in the Town Hall; in 1869 a group of men met to organize a parish and elect officers; by September 21st of the same year, steps were taken to apply for admission to the Diocese of Albany, and on September 27,

1870, the parish was admitted; and WHEREAS, Originally known as Great Shepherd Church, the name was changed to St. John's Episcopal Church in January of 1872; 15 years later the Gothic brick building was constructed, and in 1904, the rectory was built next door; and WHEREAS, St. John's Episcopal Church has been enriched by the addition of the Armenian community, as well as the Lutherans who were looking for a new home after their church closed in 1990; the congregation was also enhanced with the addition of many industries transferring to Massena; and WHEREAS, The fellowship of St. John's Episcopal Church embraces all people and the building is used by many groups and organizations including a free-standing medical clinic for uninsured adults; and WHEREAS, Throughout the last 150 years, St. John's Episcopal Church has honored God through worship, study and prayer, pastoral care, outreach and a variety of ecumenical endeavors; and WHEREAS, Today, St. John's Episcopal 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 commemorate the 150th Anniversary of St. John's Episcopal Church, 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 St. John's Episcopal Church.