Senate Resolution No. 1316

BY: Senator PARKER

HONORING The Reverend Dr. Robert M. Waterman upon
the occasion of celebrating his 21st Pastoral
Anniversary

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend the
efforts of those individuals within the State of New York who give of
their time and energies in support of spiritual endeavors which aim to
benefit the community at large; 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. Robert M. Waterman upon the occasion of celebrating his
21st Pastoral Anniversary on February 26, 2023; and

WHEREAS, Rev. Dr. Robert M. Waterman, known to many as Pastor Rob,
previously served as the Associate Pastor and Youth Pastor at Union
Baptist Church in White Plains, New York under the pastoral guidance of
Reverends Robert L. Mason and Verlin D. Williams; and

WHEREAS, Currently serving as Lead Pastor of Antioch Baptist Church
in Brooklyn, New York, Rev. Dr. Robert M. Waterman is credited with many
notable achievements in relation to the betterment of the church and his
community as a whole; for example, he brought about new seats in the
balcony, a large influx of youth to fill them, an after-school homework
program, and the revival of the Wednesday night Bible study; and

WHEREAS, Rev. Dr. Robert M. Waterman graduated from New York
Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity in May of 2003, and went
on to complete his Doctor of Ministry from Drew University in May of
2009; since his installation, he has worked closely with the Youth
Ministry, established leadership classes and retreats, re-instituted the
Christian Education Ministry, spearheaded the purchase of a
state-of-the-art sound system in the sanctuary, and revived the Antioch
Community Services for youth and seniors; and

WHEREAS, In demonstration of his unrelenting service and devotion to
his community, Rev. Dr. Robert M. Waterman purchased a building in the
community which now houses a Christian lounge; he also serves as a
substitute teacher in the New York public school system, and serves on
Community Board 3 as the Ecumenical Committee Chairman, and formerly was
the Chairperson of the Transportation Committee; and

WHEREAS, Rev. Dr. Robert M. Waterman is a member of the National
Black Commission on AIDS and the Chair of the "Securing our
Institutions" component of the Black Empowerment Convention; he is also
the Ecumenical Chair of the Black Leadership Commission on AIDS (BLCA)
in Brooklyn, New York, and is President of the African American Clergy
and Elected Officials (AACEO) in Brooklyn, as well as a lifetime member
of the NAACP; and

WHEREAS, Rev. Dr. Robert M. Waterman is proud of the many
renovations and updates he has brought to the church throughout his
tenure; some changes he oversaw include painting, restoring and covering

pews, installing new carpeting, the marbleizing of columns, and
renovation of the room that houses several ministries, such as Sunday
school classes and the after-school program; and

WHEREAS, Additionally, a restoration project was done to the Antioch
Baptist Fellowship Hall, which is a multi-purpose use room for
conferences and dining purposes; this project included painting and new
lighting; and

WHEREAS, Rev. Dr. Robert M. Waterman is the author of the book, God
Has Left the Building; and

WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his beloved wife, Lady Lola
Oguntunde, and their cherished children, Nia, Imani, and Jada, all of
whom privileged to be a part of his life and rejoice in his many
achievements; 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. Robert M. Waterman upon the occasion of
celebrating his 21st Pastoral Anniversary on February 26, 2023; and be
it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Rev. Dr. Robert M. Waterman.