Assembly Resolution No. 128
BY: M. of A. Stern
COMMEMORATING the 275th Anniversary of St. John's
Episcopal Church of Huntington, 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 275th Anniversary of St. John's Episcopal Church; and
WHEREAS, Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this auspicious occasion will
be celebrated in 2023; and
WHEREAS, In 1745, St. John's Episcopal Church was founded by the
Reverend Samuel Seabury Sr., who later became the first Bishop of the
Episcopal Church; in 1748 Samuel Seabury Jr. was appointed Lay Reader
and Catechist and given charge of the new mission outpost under the
direction of his father; and
WHEREAS, In 1767, Reverend James Greaton became the first settled
minister at St. John's Episcopal Church, and upon his death in 1773, was
the last settled minister for many years; and
WHEREAS, During the Revolutionary War, the church building was used
as a stable and barracks for soldiers, and was severely damaged;
nevertheless, local families held occasional services, and from time to
time a refugee clergyman was available to preach and administer the
sacraments; and
WHEREAS, St. John's Episcopal Church struggled after the War,
however by 1838, the fortunes of the congregation had improved to the
point that the parish was incorporated, and the Reverend Isaac Sherwood
became the first rector; and
WHEREAS, In 1860, a new church was to be built on the old site and
the Reverend Caleb Ellsworth lead the congregation; on May 6, 1862, the
new building was consecrated by Bishop Hobart; and
WHEREAS, Towards the end of the 19th Century, St. John's Episcopal
Church was part of a new diocese, improvements were made to the
building, and it flourished; unfortunately, on Easter in 1905, the
building was destroyed by fire, however, the furnishings were saved
which are still in use today; and
WHEREAS, The current building was relocated to the new village
center and the first services were held on Pentecost in 1907; a new
parish hall was built, and the church was consecrated 10 years later;
and
WHEREAS, The 20th Century saw rapid growth of the Huntington area;
in 1910, the Grace Chapel was established, and many improvements were
made including the installation of a Casavant organ in 1928; in 1964, a
Sunday School building was erected to handle the influx of the growing
congregation; and
WHEREAS, Today, under the luminous leadership of Reverend Duncan
Burns, St. John's Episcopal Church is a vibrant, growing congregation
with youth programs, cultural events, a well-renowned nursery school,
Christian Education programs, and an outstanding choir; and
WHEREAS, St. John's Episcopal Church 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 275th Anniversary of St. John's Episcopal Church, 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
transmitted to Reverend Duncan Burns, St. John's Episcopal Church.
