Senate Resolution No. 766

BY: Senator MAYER

COMMENDING St. Frances African Methodist Episcopal
Zion Church of Port Chester, New York, upon the
occasion of celebrating its 176th Anniversary on May
4, 2025

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, This Legislative Body takes pleasure in commending St.
Frances African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church of Port Chester, New
York, upon the occasion of its 176th Anniversary to be celebrated on May
4, 2025; and

WHEREAS, St. Frances African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church was
founded in the spring of 1849 at the home of "Auntie Banks," and the
initial gatherings centered around prayers and testimonial services; and

WHEREAS, Those who attended early services at the home of "Auntie
Banks" often traveled far to find African Methodist Episcopal Zion
churches; with a desire to bring this type of church to their own
community, the gatherings continued to grow, and a circuit preacher,
Father Tappan, was appointed to officially preside over the church in
1850; and

WHEREAS, In 1856, the congregation moved to their first house of
worship, and the Reverend Jeptha Barcroft was appointed as their
full-time pastor; and

WHEREAS, Despite being faced with two devastating fires that
destroyed two church buildings throughout its history, St. Frances
African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church persevered and continued to
rebuild and serve its community; and

WHEREAS, St. Frances African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church stands
as the oldest religious, fraternal, civic, and social organization
serving the African-American community in Port Chester, New York, and
its surrounding communities; and

WHEREAS, Many older members of sister churches in the area began
their religious life in St. Frances African Methodist Episcopal Zion
Church because it was the only church serving people of color when they
moved to New York from the south, other parts of the United States, and
the Caribbean Islands; and

WHEREAS, Throughout its 176 years of service, many found community,
faith, and family through St. Frances African Methodist Episcopal Zion
Church; and

WHEREAS, St. Frances African Methodist Episcopal Zion 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 St. Frances African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church upon the
occasion of celebrating its 176th Anniversary on May 4, 2025, fully
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 The Reverend Lawrence D. Alston of St. Frances African
Methodist Episcopal Zion Church.