Senate Resolution No. 1323

BY: Senator ASHBY

COMMEMORATING the 150th Anniversary of the First
United Methodist Church of East Greenbush, New York

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, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the First United Methodist Church
of East Greenbush, New York; and

WHEREAS, The history of the First United Methodist Church of East
Greenbush is long and varied in service to the community and the world;
and

WHEREAS, The first meeting was held in 1836, during which time,
homes, schools and even a local hotel ballroom were used as meeting
places until 1873, when a Methodist Society was organized; trustees were
elected and plans were made to build a church in East Greenbush; and

WHEREAS, In 1874, the First United Methodist Church was built on
Columbia Turnpike at the present day sites of Blue Crew Pools and the
Big Red Doghouse; and

WHEREAS, On October 15, 1874, 29 men and women transferred
membership from the Greenbush Methodist Church in Rensselaer, New York,
to the newly established East Greenbush Methodist Episcopal Church; and

WHEREAS, By 1953, the congregation had outgrown the facilities on
Columbia Turnpike, and land was purchased at the corner of Gilligan and
Hays Roads; on Christmas Eve 1961, the first service was held in the new
church; and

WHEREAS, The First United Methodist Church continued to grow, and on
February 9, 1969, Fellowship Hall and additional classrooms were
dedicated; on June 1, 1970, a beautiful pipe organ was dedicated; from
the days of the hand-pumped reed organ in the first church to the
present time, music has always been a vital and joyful part of the
congregation's worship experience; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, its Memorial Courtyard provides a place of
beauty and serenity for peaceful meditation; and

WHEREAS, Since its inception, the First United Methodist Church of
East Greenbush has been deeply committed to the vision of providing a
place for spiritual nourishment of both head and heart, and to lay the
foundation for members and friends to make a difference in the community
and the world; and


WHEREAS, A true cornerstone in the community for 150 years, the
First United Methodist Church is a strong and loving place to worship,
as well as a beacon of light and resilience in the East Greenbush
community; and

WHEREAS, Today, under the able leadership of Pastor Danyal
Mohammadzadeh, the First United Methodist Church of East Greenbush
stands on the threshold of tomorrow, prepared to meet the challenges of
the coming decades, while retaining that spiritual resolve which has so
characterized its glorious 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 the First United Methodist Church
of East Greenbush, New York, 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 Pastor Danyal Mohammadzadeh, First United Methodist
Church of East Greenbush, New York.