Senate Resolution No. 2384

BY: Senator MAYER

HONORING Reverend Dr. Edward O. Williamson upon
the occasion of his 20th 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
Reverend Dr. Edward O. Williamson upon the occasion of his 20th Pastoral
Anniversary, to be celebrated on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at Bethel
Baptist Church's 20th Pastoral Anniversary Luncheon at Mansion on
Broadway, White Plains, New York; and

WHEREAS, Serving as the pastor-teacher of Bethel Baptist Church of
White Plains, New York since 2004, Reverend Dr. Edward O. Williamson is
a native of East St. Louis, Illinois; graduating from East St. Louis
Lincoln Senior High School in 1979, he furthered his education by
earning his Bachelor of Arts degree at Western Illinois University and
his Master of Arts degree in General Theological Studies from Covenant
Theological Seminary in 1999; and

WHEREAS, Attaining a wealth of knowledge, Reverend Dr. Edward O.
Williamson completed a year of post-graduate theological studies at Eden
Theological Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri; he earned the Doctor of
Ministry Degree with an emphasis in Christian Education and Urban
Ministry from the United Theological Seminary in May of 2006; and

WHEREAS, Answering the call to gospel ministry in 1985, Reverend Dr.
Edward O. Williamson became licensed to preach at Mt. Zion Missionary
Baptist Church in St. Louis, Illinois; ordained in 1988, he served as an
assistant to the pastor of Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church in East
St. Louis for two years and as pastor of the Southern missionary Baptist
Church in Madison, Illinois for nine years; and

WHEREAS, Embarking on his career in New York, Reverend Dr. Edward O.
Williamson served as the pastor of Beautiful Plain Baptist Church in
Binghamton, New York for five years; and

WHEREAS, Devout in his faith and service, Reverend Dr. Edward O.
Williamson is a certified instructor and certified dean of Christian
education for the Sunday School Publishing Board of the National Baptist
Convention, USA, Inc.; he formerly served as the Dean of Christian
Education for the Central Hudson Baptist District Association and he is
currently the Vice President of The Congress of Christian Education, an
assistant state dean for the Empire Missionary Baptist State Convention
of New York, and the Regional Coordinator of the Northeast region of the
Sunday School Publishing Board; and

WHEREAS, Devoted to the community, Reverend Dr. Edward O. Williamson
has held roles as a district executive and senior executive for the Boy
Scouts of America, an intensive drug abuse probation officer in St.

Clair County Illinois, and as clinical interventionist and aide in a
mental health and chemical dependency treatment center; and

WHEREAS, Having received numerous awards and recognition, Reverend
Dr. Edward O. Williamson is currently a member of the Ministers
Fellowship Council of White Plains, Vice-Chairman of the board for the
Thomas H. Slater Community Center, a member of the White
Plains/Greenburgh Branch NAACP, Chaplain for the White Plains Public
Safety Department, a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. the Beta
Alpha Alpha Chapter, and is involved in many other community development
and social service activities; and

WHEREAS, He 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
honor Reverend Dr. Edward O. Williamson upon the occasion of his 20th
Pastoral Anniversary; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Reverend Dr. Edward O. Williamson.