Senate Resolution No. 1532
BY: Senator PARKER
MOURNING the death of Reverend Clinton Miller,
beloved man of faith, visionary pastor, educator,
and devoted servant to the Brooklyn community
WHEREAS, There are certain outstanding individuals whose lives of
faith, leadership, and service profoundly enrich the spiritual and civic
fabric of our communities; through his unwavering devotion to ministry,
commitment to justice, and dedication to uplifting others, Reverend
Clinton Miller was one such individual; and
WHEREAS, It is with profound sorrow and deep regret that this
Legislative Body records the passing of Reverend Clinton Miller, a
respected clergyman, mentor, and community leader whose life was marked
by faith, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to Christian service;
and
WHEREAS, Reverend Clinton Miller was born in Brooklyn, New York, and
pursued his academic studies with distinction, earning a Bachelor of
Arts in History from Southern Connecticut State University, reflecting
an early commitment to scholarship, reflection, and service; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Clinton Miller first felt the divine calling to
gospel ministry at the age of 19, and while he initially pursued other
paths, he ultimately answered that call while he was a seminarian at
Yale University where his theological formation prepared him for a
lifetime of pastoral leadership; and
WHEREAS, Upon his graduation from divinity school in 1994, Reverend
Clinton Miller continued his ministerial training as an intern minister
at the historic Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem, New York City,
under the guidance of the Reverend Calvin O. Butts, later serving as
youth minister and deepening his commitment to nurturing faith among
younger generations; and
WHEREAS, Prior to entering full-time ministry, Reverend Clinton
Miller served as an educator in the New York City public school system
for four years, exemplifying his lifelong commitment to teaching,
mentorship, and empowerment of young people; and
WHEREAS, In October of 2000, Reverend Clinton Miller was called to
serve as Pastor of Brown Memorial Baptist Church in Brooklyn, a role he
embraced with vision, humility, and devotion, faithfully shepherding the
congregation through preaching, counseling, visitation, and pastoral
care; and
WHEREAS, Since assuming the pastorate at Brown Memorial Baptist
Church, Reverend Clinton Miller applied the principles of traditional
ministry to meet the evolving needs of his congregation, setting a
spiritual tone that strengthened worship, fostered inclusive fellowship,
and supported the realization of the church's long-term vision; and
WHEREAS, Under Reverend Clinton Miller's leadership, Brown Memorial
Baptist Church experienced significant growth and renewal, including the
construction of a fellowship hall, renovation of the sanctuary,
establishment of a community development corporation, and planning of
new educational programs, a summer day camp, and a long-awaited banquet
facility within the newly built church annex; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Clinton Miller's pastoral vision centered on
stabilizing and strengthening the ministry through consistent Christian
service, sound preaching, responsible stewardship, and strong financial
administration while advancing a mission dedicated to dynamic worship,
relevant Christian education, inclusive fellowship, and impactful
evangelism; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Clinton Miller extended his service beyond the
pulpit through leadership on numerous civic and nonprofit boards,
including the Harlem YMCA and the Bedford-Stuyvesant YMCA, and service
as chaplain for the New York Liberty of the Women's National Basketball
Association, offering spiritual guidance at the intersection of faith,
athletics, and community life; and
WHEREAS, Ordained by the American Baptist Churches and the United
Missionary Baptist Association of Greater New York, Reverend Clinton
Miller grounded his ministry in Christian principles of fairness,
justice, compassion, and cultivation of genuine Christian community,
leaving a lasting and meaningful legacy; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Clinton Miller is lovingly remembered by his
family, the congregation of Brown Memorial Baptist Church, friends,
colleagues, and countless individuals whose lives were enriched by his
ministry, leadership, and example of faithful service; now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the passing of Reverend Clinton Miller and to honor his enduring
legacy of faith, leadership, and service to the Brooklyn community and
beyond; and be it further
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body extend its deepest condolences
to the family of Reverend Clinton Miller, the congregation of Brown
Memorial Baptist Church, and all those who were privileged to know him
and obtain guidance through his ministry; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Reverend Clinton Miller.
