LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 75th Anniversary of The Congre-
gational Church of Manhasset United Church of Christ of Manhasset, New
York, celebrated on April 10, 2016

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
75th Anniversary of The Congregational Church of Manhasset United Church
of Christ of Manhasset, New York, celebrated at a special Worship
Service followed by a Jubilee Brunch on Sunday, April 10, 2016, at the
Manhasset Bay Yacht Club, Port Washington, New York; and
WHEREAS, Since its inception in the fall of 1939, The Congregational
Church of Manhasset United Church of Christ (UCC) has accomplished great
things in its community and throughout the world, touching the lives of
thousands with its positive Christian message; and
WHEREAS, Led by Ward Neil and Sherill Newton, an organizational meet-
ing for a congregational-type church was held in August of 1939; on the
first Sunday of October, a family service was conducted at Munsey Park
Center with an attendance of 12 adults and five children; and
WHEREAS, On April 27, 1940, the Church's charter was granted and
services were moved to the Onderdonk Mansion, often referred to as "The
White House" on Northern Boulevard, where the first morning service was
held; and
WHEREAS, From January through September of 1940, Albert Buchanan, a
student at Union Theological Seminary served as Minister; visiting
ministers led the congregation until Reverend Stephen Ayers was called
to service in 1941; and
WHEREAS, On April 17, 1941, the Church was incorporated under the laws
of the State of New York as The Congregational Church of Manhasset; and
WHEREAS, In February of 1943, The Congregational Church of Manhasset
rented a larger building which had previously housed the Munsey Park
Golf Club; after Reverend Ayers left, retired minister Reverend Dr. J.
Stanley Durkee served as interim minister until a permanent successor
could be found; and
WHEREAS, Reverend George Gerald Park, began his 27-year pastorate at
The Congregational Church of Manhasset on March 7, 1943; and
WHEREAS, After a large influx of attendance, The Congregational Church
of Manhasset held a Groundbreaking Ceremony for its present building in
May of 1948; the cornerstone was laid on October 24, 1948, and the
building was dedicated on June 12, 1949; and
WHEREAS, In 1955, the parishioners of the Church dedicated a chapel, a
church school wing, and a pastor's study; three years later, the Parish
Hall stage was completed and in 1962, the pipe organ was installed and
the chancel was remodeled; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the years, The Congregational Church of Manhasset
UCC has been blessed with several dedicated assistant and associate
ministers, directors of Christian education, choir directors and organ-
ists, as well as other members of a committed church staff; and
WHEREAS, Today, under the luminous leadership of Reverend Jimmy Only,
The Congregational Church of Manhasset UCC 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
commemorate the 75th Anniversary of The Congregational Church of Manhas-
set United Church of Christ observed on April 10, 2016, 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 Reverend Jimmy Only, The Congregational Church of Manhas-
set United Church of Christ, Manhasset, New York.