Assembly Resolution No. 834
BY: M. of A. Cunningham
COMMENDING First Baptist Church of Crown Heights
upon the occasion of hosting its Founder's Day
Celebration on May 1, 2022
WHEREAS, A great state is only as great as those individuals or
organizations who perform exemplary service on behalf of their
community, whether through unique achievement in professional or other
endeavors, or simply through a lifetime of good citizenship; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend First
Baptist Church of Crown Heights upon the occasion of hosting its
Founder's Day Celebration on Sunday, May 1, 2022; and
WHEREAS, The First Baptist Church of Crown Heights was originally
organized in 1953, as the First Baptist Church of Williamsburg, by a
small group of Christian workers including a young man eager to preach,
but not yet ordained; and
WHEREAS, One of the first acts of this founding church was to duly
ordain the Reverend Clarence Norman, a multifaceted and caring
individual with extensive training and commitment in areas that affect
the community, as pastor; throughout his 62 years of leadership, the
Church grew from its humble beginnings to a congregation of more than
2,000; and
WHEREAS, In addition to his role as Pastor, Reverend Clarence Norman
served as Chaplain for the Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation and the
New York State Division of Parole, Chairman of the Advisory Board for
the Center of Law & Social Justice of Medgar Evers College, Chairman of
the Orange Housing Authority in New Jersey, and Chairman of 1st Baptist
Church of C.H. Housing & Development Corporation; and
WHEREAS, In 1987, Reverend Clarence Norman founded the Local
Development Corporation of Crown Heights; through this vital
organization, he helped develop more than 800 units of housing for
senior citizens and low-income families, and 21 buildings including
David Chavis Apartments, the Albany Residence and St. John's Apartments;
and
WHEREAS, Born on April 30, 1930, in Goldsboro, North Carolina,
Clarence Norman earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Bloomfield
College in 1959, his Master of Divinity in 1964, and his Doctor of
Religion in 1971 from Howard University; he also attended St. John's
University for graduate study in Public School Administration and was
awarded a state certificate as Principal of Secondary School in 1969;
and
WHEREAS, For his steadfast and unremitting commitment to his church
and community, Reverend Clarence Norman was the recipient of numerous
awards and accolades including the 1969-1970 Paris Ministry Fellowship
by the Fund for Theological Education, the 1st Annual Ecumenical Award
from the National Conference of Christians and Jews, a certificate as
Accredited Resident Manager by the Institute of R/E Management, and in
June of 2002, he was named a Great Black Father by Ebony Magazine; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Clarence Norman passed away on July 8, 2015, at
the age of 85, leaving behind his loving wife, Ellen, and their five
children; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals and organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are
brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by
all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend First Baptist Church of Crown Heights upon the occasion of
hosting its Founder's Day Celebration on May 1, 2022; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to First Baptist Church of Crown Heights and the family of
The Reverence Clarence Norman.
