LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the Eighth Pastoral Anniversary of
The Reverend Dr. James A. Thornton

WHEREAS, The spiritual guidance and nurturing of the citizens of the
State of New York is of great importance to the vitality and well-being
of our communities; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the Eighth Pastoral Anniversary of The Reverend Dr. James A.
Thornton; and
WHEREAS, On Sunday, April 28, 2006, after 45 years of stellar and
transforming leadership of the Salem Missionary Baptist Church, the
mantle was passed from The Reverend Dr. Thomas J. Boyd to his son, The
Reverend Dr. James A. Thornton; this was the sixth time in the 103-year
history of this great church, that a pastor was called to lead its
people; and
WHEREAS, The Salem Missionary Baptist Church family today celebrates
the Eighth Pastoral Anniversary of Reverend James Thornton, a compas-
sionate leader; and
WHEREAS, From the very first project in 2006, which was the installa-
tion of new energy efficient windows in the Church, to the response of
congregants affected by the devastating and destructive Hurricane Sandy
in 2012, Reverend James Thornton has shown caring and love throughout;
and
WHEREAS, In the past eight years, the Salem Missionary Baptist Church
family has awarded a significant amount in scholarships to its students
that have been enrolled and accepted into accredited institutions of
higher learning; and
WHEREAS, Reverend James Thornton's commitment to the work of Missions
here in the United States and in distant lands remains undaunted; during
the years of his tenure, the Salem family has given much to the cause of
missions and spreading the Gospel; and
WHEREAS, A devoted spiritual leader, Reverend James Thornton has trav-
eled to the mission fields of Africa, the Caribbean and South America;
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; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the Eighth Pastoral Anniversary of The Reverend Dr. James A.
Thornton; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Reverend Dr. James A. Thornton.