Senate Resolution No. 2561

BY: Senator PARKER

COMMENDING The Reverend Doctor Darren M. Morton
upon the occasion of his 13th Pastoral Anniversary
on May 19, 2024

WHEREAS, The character and richness of religious and community life
in this noble Empire State are nourished and fulfilled through the
faithful concern and selfless devotion of those who commit their
energies and purpose to the ministry of others; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom 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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend The
Reverend Doctor Darren M. Morton upon the occasion of his 13th Pastoral
Anniversary which was celebrated at Macedonia Baptist Church in Mount
Vernon, New York, on Sunday, May 19, 2024; and

WHEREAS, At Macedonia Baptist Church, Reverend Doctor Darren M.
Morton received his religious conversion and baptism, later becoming the
seventh pastor and religious leader of the church; under the guidance of
Reverend Doctor Richard H. Dixon, Jr., he was led to assume the pulpit
in 1994 and ordained three years later; and

WHEREAS, During a period of transition, Reverend Doctor Darren M.
Morton accepted the request to serve as Interim Pastor in 2009;
presently, he continues to minister through Vacation Bible School and
other church programs; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Doctor Darren M. Morton performed his duties as
Associate Minister and Youth Minister for 15 years, Assistant Sunday
School Superintendent, and Executive Director of the Macedonia Baptist
Church Mentoring Program; and

WHEREAS, Through his background in business, fiscal management,
strategic planning, and information systems, Reverend Doctor Darren M.
Morton has transformed Macedonia Baptist Church, which struggled with
waning membership, fiscal distress, and a pending balloon mortgage
payment in 2011, into a thriving congregation, solid business operation,
and a financially stable and burgeoning faith-based enterprise; and

WHEREAS, Other enhancements made to Macedonia Baptist Church include
a modernized fiscal operation, membership information system, and
capital campaign; additionally, refinanced mortgages and expanded
community services were possible under the capable leadership of
Reverend Doctor Darren M. Morton; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Doctor Darren M. Morton continually labors to
strengthen families and enhance the well-being of individuals of all
nationalities, and he is immersed in civic and social endeavors which
specifically affect urban communities and the underprivileged of all
ages; and


WHEREAS, Reverend Doctor Darren M. Morton, the esteemed Pastor of
Madedonia Baptist Church, 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, whether in the church, his community, an
educational setting, the public sector, or a boardroom; 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; Reverend Doctor
Darren M. Morton should be saluted for his selfless service to his
community and to our great State and his outstanding contributions in
his holy mission; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend The Reverend Doctor Darren M. Morton upon the occasion of his
13th Pastoral Anniversary, 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 Doctor Darren M. Morton.