LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Reverend Dr. Henry T. Simmons upon the
occasion of the 40th Anniversary of his Ordination to the Priesthood

WHEREAS, The character and richness of religious and community life in
this noble Empire State is nourished and fulfilled through the faithful
concern and selfless devotion of those who would commit their energies
and purpose to the ministry of others; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to bring full recog-
nition and just tribute to those individuals who distinguish themselves
and the ministry through their unremitting commitment and preeminence of
service; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Reverend Dr. Henry T. Simmons upon the occasion of the 40th Anniversary
of his Ordination to the Priesthood, to be celebrated in June 2014; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Dr. Henry T. Simmons serves as Senior Minister of
St. Albans Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, St. Albans,
New York; and
WHEREAS, Born in High Point, North Carolina, Reverend Dr. Henry T.
Simmons earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology in 1970 from
North Carolina Central University, and a Master of Divinity degree in
1973 from the Howard University School of Divinity; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Dr. Henry T. Simmons began his service as an
ordained minister as Associate Minister with the Peoples Congregational
United Church of Christ in Washington, DC, from 1973 to 1977; and
WHEREAS, In August 1977, Reverend Dr. Henry T. Simmons was called to
serve as Senior Minister of the Mayflower Congregational Church in
Detroit, Michigan; after six years of leading this congregation's
renewal as a vital urban church, he was elected in 1983 as Secretary for
Racial, Ethnic and Minority Church Development for the United Church
Board for Homeland Ministries in New York City, where this dedicated man
assumed primary staff leadership for growth and development in African
American, Latino, American Indian, and Pacific Islander-Asian American
churches; and
WHEREAS, Since March 1991, Reverend Dr. Henry T. Simmons has served as
Senior Minister of the St. Albans Congregational Church; under his
visionary leadership, the congregation has grown rapidly with active
members who share mutual labors sponsoring just over 50 ministries for
congregants and the community; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Dr. Henry T. Simmons has been called upon to
contribute his time and talents to countless civic and charitable
endeavors and has always given of himself unstintingly; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Dr. Henry T. Simmons has served as chair of the
Board of Directors of the United Church of Christ Commission for Racial
Justice, chair of the Board of Directors of the United Church of Christ
of Justice and Witness Ministries, chair of the United Church of Christ
Search Committee for General Minister, and President of the Southeast
Queens Clergy for Community Empowerment, Inc., now known as Clergy
United for Community Empowerment; and
WHEREAS, Among his numerous awards and honors, Reverend Dr. Henry T.
Simmons has received citations for outstanding ministerial leadership
from the Michigan State Legislature, the Detroit City Council, and the
New York City Council, as well as honorary Doctor of Divinity degrees
for contributions to racial and social justice from Ursinus College and
Huston-Tillotson College; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Gayle Hudson Simmons,
and their son, Aaron (Taiya), as well as two grandsons, Christon and

Tyler, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of his life and rejoice
in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, In addition to his luminous ministry, Reverend Dr. Henry T.
Simmons enjoys painting, sketching playing the trumpet/cornet, tennis,
reading and collecting art, and musical instruments from the African
Diaspora; and
WHEREAS, The spiritual guidance and nurturing of the citizens of the
State of New York are of great importance to the vitality and well-being
of out communities; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to bring full
recognition and just tribute to men and women of religious commitment
who accept the responsibility of moral leadership and render the wisdom
of human understanding; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Reverend Dr. Henry T. Simmons upon the occasion of the 40th Anni-
versary of his Ordination to the Priesthood; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Reverend Dr. Henry T. Simmons.