Honor Reverend Simmons' Service

Senate Resolution No. 988 BY: Senator COMRIE COMMENDING The Reverend Dr. Henry T. Simmons upon the occasion of stepping down after 28 years of devoted service to the Saint Albans Congregational Church 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 commend The Reverend Dr. Henry T. Simmons upon the occasion of stepping down after 28 years of devoted service to the Saint Albans Congregational Church to be celebrated on Sunday, April 28, 2019, with the Reverend's Final Worship Services; and WHEREAS, A native of High Point, North Carolina, Henry T. Simmons received his undergraduate degree from North Carolina Central University; he went on to earn a Master of Divinity degree from Howard University; and WHEREAS, Reverend Dr. Henry T. Simmons began his professional ministry as an Associate Minister at Peoples Congregational United Church of Christ in Washington, D.C., and after four years, served as the Senior Minister at Mayflower Congregational Church in Detroit; and WHEREAS, Installed as Senior Minister at St. Albans Congregational Church in 1991, Reverend Dr. Henry T. Simmons' broad background, experience, and phenomenal energy and effective leadership elevated the church to new heights; and WHEREAS, Known for his preaching, and his dynamic, powerful sermons, the sanctuary would fill to beyond capacity at each worship service; to accommodate the crowds, a second Sunday morning worship service was added just months after Reverend Dr. Henry T. Simmons' arrival; and WHEREAS, Reverend Dr. Henry T. Simmons' masterful teaching increased interest, attendance and commitment to adult Bible study; his "Nine Point Vision" for the church included the need for more space to house growing ministries and programs; subsequently, the RRJ Family Life Center was expanded in 2003 to include a third floor; and WHEREAS, Throughout his illustrious tenure, Reverend Dr. Henry T. Simmons' vision has also given rise to a growing, faith-driven church, where membership has grown, and ministries have increased to serve members and the community; and WHEREAS, Furthermore, exciting new initiatives and services supporting outreach and church needs are in place through active ministries and groups, including the Enriching Our Elders Ministry and Because We Care Food Pantry; he also established the Saturday Jazz Communion Vespers each month; and WHEREAS, Reverend Dr. Henry T. Simmons' dedication, hard work, and expertise have earned him two Honorary Doctorate degrees from Ursinus College and Huston Tillotson College; and WHEREAS, Reverend Dr. Henry T. Simmons 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 Dr. Henry T. Simmons upon the occasion of stepping down after 28 years of devoted service to the Saint Albans Congregational Church, 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 Reverend Dr. Henry T. Simmons, Saint Albans Congregational Church, Jamaica, New York.