Assembly Resolution No. 862

BY: M. of A. Hawley

COMMEMORATING the 200th Anniversary of the First
Presbyterian Church of Byron, 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 this 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
commemorate the 200th Anniversary of the First Presbyterian Church of
Byron, New York; this momentous occasion will be celebrated throughout
the year, commencing with the Brides of Byron event on Saturday, April
21, 2018, and concluding with a Worship Celebration on Sunday, November
18, 2018; and

WHEREAS, The First Presbyterian Church of Byron was formed in 1818,
by a group of energetic, enthusiastic people who met in a farm house to
dedicate their lives to their faith; and

WHEREAS, In 1819, the worship services were moved to a schoolhouse
about one and a half miles south of Byron Center, with services on
alternate Sundays; and

WHEREAS, The First Congregational Society of Byron was chartered in
1827, under the pastorate of the Reverend Lewis Cheeseman, and the
present church building was erected in 1830; the church transferred to
the Presbyterian denomination in 1845; and

WHEREAS, Extensive renovations occurred in 1896, when the sanctuary
was raised, and various rooms were added at the ground level; the
original window casings representing the old floor level are still
visible on the outside of the building; and

WHEREAS, In the 1930's a lot adjacent to the church was acquired and
transformed into a beautiful park, and in 1955 a new extension was added
to the north end of the building, providing a large Fellowship Hall on
the lower level, and classrooms on the upper level; and

WHEREAS, To improve accessibility, a new side entrance and lift were
added in 1999, made possible by generous pledges from church members and
the community; and

WHEREAS, Today, the church building is a striking presence in the
center of Byron, and its church family includes people from all walks of
life who have faithfully committed themselves to the hope of the Gospel
by participating in weekly worship; and

WHEREAS, The First Presbyterian Church of Byron offers numerous
programs and organizations for the needs of its members, including

Sunday School, choir, Bible study, women's organizations, youth groups,
and more; and

WHEREAS, From its earliest days, the First Presbyterian Church of
Byron has had a strong commitment to the Christian mission; youth from
the church enthusiastically participate in various hands-on mission
projects in Watertown, Buffalo, and Orleans County; and

WHEREAS, Under Pastor James R. Renfrew's luminous direction, the
First Presbyterian Church of Byron 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 First Presbyterian Church of
Byron, New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Reverend James R. Renfrew, Pastor, First Presbyterian
Church of Byron, New York.