LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 95th Anniversary of the Grace
African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church of Patchogue, New York, to be
celebrated on May 18, 2014

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 commemorating the
95th Anniversary of the Grace African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church of
Patchogue, New York, to be celebrated on Sunday, May 18, 2014; and
WHEREAS, In the summer of 1918, a group of interested community
members met at the home of Mr. and Mrs. William Joaquin of Patchogue,
New York, to discuss the possibility of organizing a church; members of
the committee included Mr. and Mrs. Glenwood Hunter, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur
P. Yancy, Beatrice Joaquin, and the Host and Hostess; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Carlup Edwards and Reverend Harry Wilson, both of
New York City, shared the common interest of the group, and encouraged
their organization of an African American Church in the area; until a
building was acquired, religious services were conducted at the home of
Mr. and Mrs. William Joaquin; and
WHEREAS, The following persons were elected officers of this newly
formed mission: trustee board members consisted of Arthur P. Yancy,
President; David C. Joaquin, Secretary; and Arthur Joaquin, Treasurer;
stewardess board members consisted of Mrs. Arthur P. Yancy, President;
Mrs. Glenwood E. Hunter, Secretary; and Mrs. Arthur Joaquin, Treasurer;
and
WHEREAS, In the months to follow, numerous activities were held by the
group to help reach their goal; a vacant lot at the corner of Cleveland
Street and Grant Place was purchased for the site of the new church; in
1920, the cornerstone for the church was laid; and
WHEREAS, The church was named Grace African Methodist Episcopal Zion
Church of Patchogue, and had been entered into the New York A.M.E. Zion
Conference the previous year under Bishop J.S. Caldwell; and
WHEREAS, The Patchogue Congregational Church helped the Grace African
Methodist Episcopal Zion Church of Patchogue by contributing pews,
pulpit furniture, and other useful articles; and
WHEREAS, Several ministers gave generously of their time, energy, and
travel to achieve many accomplishments of the Grace African Methodist
Episcopal Zion Church of Patchogue; each in their own way, whether spir-
itually, physically, or financially, has added to the growth and success
of the Grace African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church of Patchogue, in
beautification, strength, love, and fellowship; and
WHEREAS, Through the years, the Grace African Methodist Episcopal Zion
Church of Patchogue has experienced many changes; today, it is the
oldest African American Church in Patchogue, and continues to build on
the firm foundation of their forefathers with the cooperation of their
congregation and dedicated leaders; and
WHEREAS, The Grace African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church of Patc-
hogue stands on the threshold of tomorrow, prepared to meet the chal-
lenges 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
commemorate the 95th Anniversary of the Grace African Methodist Episco-
pal Zion Church of Patchogue to be observed on May 18, 2014, 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 tran-
smitted to the Grace African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, Patchogue,
New York.