LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 200th Anniversary of the Unita-
rian Church of Barneveld, New York

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 Nation to pay tribute
to those institutions and individuals who have contributed to the
ethical and spiritual values of their 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 200th Anniversary of the Unitarian Church of Barneveld, New
York to be celebrated at its Annual Pilgrimage on Sunday, June 19, 2016;
and
WHEREAS, This momentous Bicentennial Celebration will feature a talk
on architectural history and an art show; and
WHEREAS, The Unitarian Church of Barneveld is a member of the Unitari-
an Universalist Association (UUA) a denomination formed in 1961, after
the merger of two religious traditions: the Universalists, who organized
in America in 1793, and the Unitarians, who organized in America in
1825; and
WHEREAS, The Unitarian Church of Barneveld's religious society was
formed in 1803 by Francis Van der Kemp, Adam Mappa, and Luther Guiteau,
immigrants from Holland who unsuccessfully sought to establish represen-
tative government in their home country; and
WHEREAS, The early founders of the Unitarian Church of Barneveld
strived to emphasize democracy and freedom within their church communi-
ty, and based membership on good moral character rather than on
doctrinal statements; and
WHEREAS, In 1816, construction was completed on the Unitarian Church
of Barneveld's beautiful church edifice; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the past two centuries, this esteemed religious
institution has stood as a monument to those who believe in the right of
individuals to govern themselves and make up their own minds in the
realm of ultimate beliefs and commitment; and
WHEREAS, Although small in numbers, the Unitarian Church of
Barneveld's influence has emanated far beyond the village limits,
affecting the lives of numerous men and women throughout the years; and
WHEREAS, The Unitarian Church of Barneveld 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 200th Anniversary of the Unitarian Church of Barneveld,
New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Unitarian Church of Barneveld, New York.