Senate Resolution No. 1323

BY: Senator O'MARA

COMMENDING The Reverend Lewis E. Brown upon the
occasion of celebrating the 50th 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
recognition 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
commend The Reverend Lewis E. Brown upon the occasion of celebrating the
50th Anniversary of his Ordination to the Priesthood; and

WHEREAS, Father Lewis E. Brown was born and raised in Elmira, New
York, where he attended both St. Mary's Elementary School and Notre Dame
High School; after graduation, he received his college and theological
education at St. Andrew's and St. Bernard's; and

WHEREAS, In June of 1967, Father Lewis E. Brown was ordained into
the Priesthood for the Diocese of Rochester by Archbishop Fulton J.
Sheen; and

WHEREAS, From 1967-1985, Father Lewis E. Brown served as an
Associate Pastor in several diocesan parishes including Church of the
Assumption in Fairport, St. Alphonsus in Auburn, St. Ann's in Hornell,
and Immaculate Conception in Ithaca; he also worked in the diocesan
Office of Religious Education; and

WHEREAS, For the next 22 years, Father Lewis E. Brown proudly served
his country as an Active Duty Catholic Chaplain in the United States
Navy; in this capacity, he served with the Marines in Okinawa, Japan;
the Submariners in the State of Washington; the Destroyer and Frigate
squadrons in Norfolk, Virginia; and the Naval Aviators in Virginia
Beach, Virginia; and

WHEREAS, In addition, Father Lewis E. Brown was a member of the
Chaplain Resource Board in Norfolk, and worked at the Naval Service
Training Command Station in Great Lakes, Illinois, and the Washington
Navy Yard in Washington, DC with duty at Arlington National Cemetery;
and

WHEREAS, After his discharge, Father Lewis E. Brown retired to the
diocese where he was assigned to All Saints Parish in Corning, New York;
in 2012, he retired from parish ministry after serving 45 years as a
priest of the Diocese of Rochester; and

WHEREAS, Today, Father Lewis E. Brown continues to assist various
parishes, mainly in the Southern Tier and at the VAMC in Bath, New York;
and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which Father Lewis E. Brown has
displayed throughout his life; 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 our 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
commend The Reverend Lewis E. Brown upon the occasion of celebrating the
50th Anniversary of his Ordination to the Priesthood; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Reverend Lewis E. Brown.