Senate Resolution No. 2356

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMEMORATING the 100th Anniversary of the Delta
Lake Bible Conference Center of Rome, 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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the
100th Anniversary of the Delta Lake Bible Conference Center of Rome, New
York; and

WHEREAS, Dr. A. B. Simpson, the founder of the Christian and
Missionary Alliance, began a yearly Convention of people whose hearts
desired deeper Biblical study and supported his missions worldwide; and

WHEREAS, In 1923, the CMA District Superintendent, Reverend G.
Verner Brown, was informed of a grove north of Rome, New York,
overlooking Delta Lake; other interested parties offered more money, but
the farmer believed it should be used for a Godly purpose; and

WHEREAS, When the Conventions began at Delta Lake, there were no
buildings on the property, just tents for sleeping, eating, and praying;
through World War II, Conventions were held even through the expense of
wartime gas rationing; and

WHEREAS, Following the war, the leadership developed youth
ministries with more than one thousand teens and children attending
summer camp in 1970; and

WHEREAS, In 1971, Reverend William Moon, who served as an aid to
students with disabilities, developed a camp for persons with special
needs; that emphasis became a new focused outreach as his Haven Camps
developed over the following years; and

WHEREAS, Throughout these changes, ministries touch hearts, and
building lives continues unabated; since its inception, the expansion of
Delta's programming, guest groups, and side businesses has expanded its
purpose; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, its current programs include: Youth Camps,
Family Camp, Haven Camps, Teen Chill, Night to Shine, and Delta Men; and

WHEREAS, Today, the Delta Lake Bible Conference Center is a
year-round ministry which continues to embrace the purpose and mission
for which it was created 100 years ago, "Welcoming Guests to Encounter
Jesus Christ!"; and

WHEREAS, Over the past 100 years, the Delta Lake Bible Conference
Center has made an indelible impact on the Rome community; and


WHEREAS, The Delta Lake Bible Conference Center 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 100th Anniversary of the Delta Lake Bible Conference
Center of Rome, New York, 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 the Delta Lake Bible Conference Center of Rome, New York.