Senate Resolution No. 5593

BY: Senator MONTGOMERY

HONORING Reverend Robert O. Simpson upon the
occasion of celebrating his 45th Pastoral
Anniversary

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 custom 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 honor
Reverend Robert O. Simpson upon the occasion of celebrating his 45th
Pastoral Anniversary in June of 2018; and

WHEREAS, Robert O. Simpson's long association with Janes United
Methodist Church began when his parents enrolled him in the Nursery
Division of The Little Red School House within the church; and

WHEREAS, A native of Brooklyn, New York, Robert O. Simpson attended
the Brooklyn Ethical Culture School, Public School 161, Junior High
School 61 and Brooklyn Technical High School; he went on to earn degrees
from Howard University and Yale University Divinity School; and

WHEREAS, On June 1, 1973, Reverend Robert O. Simpson assumed the
Pastorate of Janes United Methodist Church, a position he has held for
45 years, a history making length of service in the United Methodist
Church, where pastoral appointments are reviewed annually; and

WHEREAS, Under the able leadership of Reverend Robert O. Simpson,
Janes United Methodist Church's active membership has tripled; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Robert O. Simpson has also been instrumental in
the success of such community outreach initiatives as tutorial programs
for school-aged children, Vacation Bible School, the Senior Citizen's
Friendship Club, ongoing Voter Registration and Information Projects,
and Meals-on-Wheels; and

WHEREAS, The successes of the community health fairs and health
screening events during Reverend Robert O. Simpson's tenure have been
profoundly effective; subsequently, the Centers for Medicare and
Medicaid Services (CMS) honored his work with the 2000 Annual
Beneficiary Services Merit Award in recognition of his innovative
educational programs, untiring outreach to Medicare beneficiaries and
shared vision of a healthy community in partnership with CMS; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Robert O. Simpson has been the proud recipient of
countless other awards and accolades, including the first Community

Service Award presented by Brooklyn Borough President, Eric L. Adams;
and

WHEREAS, A true asset to his community, Reverend Robert O. Simpson
has served as a member of Community Planning Board No. 3, the New York
Methodist Hospital Board of Directors, and District 16 Community School
Board; and

WHEREAS, This extraordinary man has also held numerous positions
within the United Methodist Church, as Treasurer of the New York Annual
Conference Board of Trustees, Chair of the Episcopal Committee, and as a
member of the Council on Finance and Administration; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his illustrious tenure, Reverend Robert O.
Simpson has insured that Janes United Methodist Church has maintained
its reputation of providing the highest quality of music in a sanctuary
which today houses a 52 rank organ to accompany a music ministry
offering oratorios and anthems, as well as a variety of concerts
featuring international, national and local talent; and

WHEREAS, This distinguished man of God has always given
enlightenment, guidance and wisdom to the many entrusted to his care and
has administered abundantly and unstintingly to the spiritual and
corporal needs of all; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when a person
of such noble aims and accomplishments is brought to our attention it is
appropriate to publicly and jubilantly proclaim and commend that
individual for the edification of others; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Reverend Robert O. Simpson upon the occasion of celebrating his
45th Pastoral Anniversary; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Reverend Robert O. Simpson.