Senate Resolution No. 802

BY: Senator PARKER

LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the Evangelical
Crusade Christian-Church upon the occasion of
hosting its 50th Annual Holy Convocation and Jubilee
Celebration on May 21, 2023

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
commend the Evangelical Crusade Christian-Church of Brooklyn, New York,
upon the occasion of hosting its 50th Annual Holy Convocation and
Jubilee Celebration on Sunday, May 21, 2023; and

WHEREAS, The Evangelical Crusade Christian-Church (ECCC), also known
as the Evangelical Crusade of Fishers of Men Church (ECFM), was
established in February of 1973 by Bishop Philius H. Nicolas; and

WHEREAS, Since its inception, ECCC has stayed true to its mission of
developing its members and others through instruction and spiritual
tutelage by providing guidance concerning the articles of faith, thereby
advancing the spiritual growth and enlightenment of its members and
community; and

WHEREAS, Bishop Philius H. Nicolas began his ministry career as an
associate pastor position of Evangelical Haitian Church of Christ where
he served for nine years, until he established ECCC; today, the Church
is led by Philius' son, the Reverend Samuel Nicolas; and

WHEREAS, Born in Port au Prince, Haiti, Samuel Nicolas and his
family emigrated to the United States at the young age of nine; he grew
up in the ECCC, and learned from his father how to be a leader, serving
in numerous capacities; and

WHEREAS, Upon the retirement of his father, Reverend Samuel Nicolas
took over the helm of the ECCC; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his work with the ECCC, Samuel Nicolas
worked for 28 years in various civic roles such as government operations
in the City of New York, serving the New York City Department of Youth
and Community Development and as Director of community relations and
constituent services of the New York State Comptroller's Office; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Samuel Nicolas earned his Bachelor of Arts degree
in sociology from Hunter College, and a Master of Divinity degree with a
concentration in pastoral counseling and family from the Evangelical
Seminary in New York; he also received an honorary doctorate in theology
and various certifications; and


WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife of 31 years, Faride;
their three children, Jonathan, Mark, and Gloria; and grandchildren,
Jacob and Charlotte, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of his
life and rejoice in his achievements; and

WHEREAS, Under the luminous leadership of Reverend Samuel Nicolas,
the Evangelical Crusade Christian-Church 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
commend the Evangelical Crusade Christian-Church upon the occasion of
hosting its 50th Annual Holy Convocation and Jubilee Celebration on May
21, 2023; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Reverend Samuel Nicolas, Evangelical Crusade
Christian-Church.