Honor Reverend Morgan's Service

Senate Resolution No. 669 BY: Senator BRESLIN COMMENDING The Reverend William Edward Morgan upon the occasion of his 20th Pastoral Anniversary to be celebrated on Saturday, March 16, 2019 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 custom 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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend The Reverend William Edward Morgan of Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, Albany, New York, upon the occasion of his 20th Pastoral Anniversary to be celebrated at a Gala held in his honor on Saturday, March 16, 2019; and WHEREAS, Born in Sumter, South Carolina, Reverend William Edward Morgan was baptized at an early age under the leadership of the Reverend Dr. R. W. Stalling; and WHEREAS, At the age of 12, the family moved to Bronx, New York where they united with Loyal Baptist Church under the guidance of Reverend E. T. Johnson; it was there Pastor Morgan began to pursue his Christian journey; and WHEREAS, In 1985, after much prayer and studying, Reverend William Edward Morgan heeded God's call to the ministry whereby he was licensed to preach; remaining faithful to Reverend Dixon and the Loyal Church family, he became the director of Education Catechism for the Ordination of Deacons and supervisor of the Ushers Ministry while also serving as youth minister for Solomon Temple Church in the Bronx under the direction of Reverend D. Eugene Rodgers; and WHEREAS, He was educated in the New York City public school system and went on to earn an associate degree at New York's Theological Bible Institute; in 1997, Reverend Dr. Johnnie G. McCann served as Catechist for Pastor Morgan's ordination; and WHEREAS, In November of 1998, Reverend William Edward Morgan was called to pastor Mount Pleasant Baptist Church in Albany, New York; his pastoral duties began the first Sunday in January of 1999; and WHEREAS, From the moment of acceptance, Reverend William Edward Morgan's mantra for Mount Pleasant's congregation was "From membership to Discipleship," which was followed with a series of five seminars on "The Assurance of Salvation"; and WHEREAS, Reverend William Edward Morgan adheres to the following passages of scripture - "Let the Elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine"- 1st Timothy 5:17 and "Obey those who are over you and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief for that would be unprofitable for you"- Hebrews 13:17; and WHEREAS, Since becoming Mount Pleasant's pastor, Reverend William Edward Morgan has established the MPBC Bible Institute, reorganized the Board of Christian Education, baptized over 600 new members, licensed three ministers, ordained three ministers, six deacons and set aside six junior deacons; and WHEREAS, He has also consecrated three deaconesses and set aside three junior deaconesses, appointed six women to the Church's Mother Board, the parsonage's mortgage was paid off in three years, a new van and minibus were purchased as well as four houses adjacent to the church which were demolish to enable future expansion; and WHEREAS, Among his many duties and assignments, Reverend William Edward Morgan served as Area 3's Vice President of the Empire Baptist Missionary Convention, Inc., and, is also a certified instructor of Baptist Doctrine for the Hudson River Frontier Association and the Empire Baptist Congress of Christian Education; he is the proud husband of The Reverend Shirley A. Morgan to whom he has been married to for over 30 years; and WHEREAS, Reverend William Edward Morgan 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 Reverend William Edward Morgan upon the occasion of his 20th Pastoral Anniversary, 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 copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Reverend William Edward Morgan, and the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church's Archives.