Senate Resolution No. 539

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMEMORATING the 170th Anniversary of Rome
Cemetery in Rome, New York on July 19, 2023

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize
milestones of significance which provide a vital service to the
communities of the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 170th Anniversary of Rome Cemetery in Rome, New York on
July 19, 2023; and

WHEREAS, The Rome Cemetery Association was organized on August 7,
1851, and 25 acres of land was purchased from the farm of Thomas
Williams for the purpose of a final resting place for Rome's citizens;
and

WHEREAS, On July 19, 1853, the cemetery was officially dedicated to
the City of Rome; and

WHEREAS, The original trustees of the Rome Cemetery Association were
a prominent group of Romans that included many of the leading attorneys,
bankers, doctors, and merchants of the City; and

WHEREAS, In 1893, the Kingsley Memorial Chapel, a beautiful gothic
style building of marble with stained glass windows, was given to the
cemetery by Dr. and Mrs. W. J. P. Kingsley in memory of their son, Dr.
G. Lyle Kingsley; and

WHEREAS, The Parker F. Scripture Memorial Carillon was given to the
cemetery by the family of the departed in 1988; Parker F. Scripture was
a well-known local landscape architect and was also a member of the
Cemetery Board; and

WHEREAS, Many prominent Romans are buried in the Rome Cemetery, some
of the most noteworthy being: Joshua Hathaway, Jesse Williams, Henrietta
Bowen, Wilson Smith, Augustus Kessinger, John B. Jervis, Major Oscar
Burkard, Rush Cady, Francis Bellamy, and Dr. W.J.P. Kingsley; and

WHEREAS, From its original 25 acres, the Rome Cemetery has grown to
over 140 acres, with a staff and board of directors dedicated to
maintaining and enhancing the beauty of the grounds and unique
buildings; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to observe events
which symbolize the historical, social, and cultural development of this
great Empire State and embody the principles upon which this Nation was
founded; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 170th Anniversary of Rome Cemetery in Rome, New York on
July 19, 2023; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Staff and Board of Directors of the Rome Cemetery.