Assembly Resolution No. 383

BY: M. of A. Miller

COMMEMORATING the 225th Anniversary of the Augusta
Presbyterian Church of Oriskany Falls, 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, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 225th Anniversary of the Augusta Presbyterian Church of
Oriskany Falls, New York; and

WHEREAS, The history of the church began when a Congregational
society was formed in Augusta's log school on September 7, 1797, with
nine charter members; and

WHEREAS, A log school house stood on the west side of the road that
runs north from what is now known as Newells' Corners; it was in that
schoolhouse that the Congregational Church was formed by Reverends
Asabell North of Clinton and Joel Bradley of Westmoreland; and

WHEREAS, During Augusta Presbyterian Church's humble beginnings,
services were held in private homes, schoolhouses, barns, and outside in
the open air; from 1805 until 1816, the congregation worshiped in the
Town Hall; and

WHEREAS, The present building, located in Oriskany Falls, was
completed in 1816, and the Augusta Presbyterian Church was officially
dedicated on February 3, 1817; and

WHEREAS, Four churches were formed out of the Augusta Presbyterian
Church, including the Oriskany Falls and Deansboro Congregational
Churches, and the Knoxboro Presbyterian Church; and

WHEREAS, Since its inception, Augusta Presbyterian Church has grown
to include an active Sunday School and Vacation Bible School; and

WHEREAS, Today, Augusta Presbyterian Church stands on the threshold
of tomorrow, prepared to meet the challenges of the coming decades,
while retaining that spiritual resolve which has so characterized its
glorious 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 225th Anniversary of Augusta Presbyterian Church of
Oriskany Falls, New York, 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 Augusta Presbyterian Church of Oriskany Falls, New York.