Senate Resolution No. 176
BY: Senator GRIFFO
COMMEMORATING the 225th Anniversary of First
Congregational Church of Bridgewater, 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, This Legislative Body takes pleasure in commemorating the
225th Anniversary of First Congregational Church of Bridgewater, New
York, on Sunday, September 15, 2024; and
WHEREAS, First Congregational Church attained its actual 225th
Anniversary in March of 2023; however, due to renovations to preserve
this valuable historical cornerstone of the community, the congregation
will celebrate in 2024; an actual memorialization will be presented by
Pastor Alan White and the celebration committee; and
WHEREAS, On March 8, 1798, a meeting for the establishment of a
church was held at the residence of Colonel Thomas Converse; and
WHEREAS, The original congregants were seven men and six women, and
the church services were conducted by Colonel Converse, the church
moderator, and Elias Hopkins, the church scribe; and
WHEREAS, On July 13, 1802, Reverend James Southworth was appointed
as the first minister of the First Congregational Church; he was paid
$200.00 his first year and received annual $10.00 increases in salary
until his income reached the sum of $300.00; as part of his
compensation, he also received a supply of firewood; and
WHEREAS, A Meeting House was constructed, and church services
relocated from congregants' homes to the new church building in 1805;
that same year, the church purchased a grist mill which provided the
means to fund the pastor's salary; and
WHEREAS, On April 14, 1820, the church's first Sunday School was
founded; the building in Bridgewater, which houses the church today, was
built in 1834; and
WHEREAS, The Missionary Society of First Congregational Church was
organized in 1904; this group of women historically supported the church
by hosting public suppers, providing funding for missionary work in the
United States and abroad, and assisting individuals or groups in need;
and
WHEREAS, Presently, the Missionary Society financially supports the
church by hosting suppers, holding basket raffles, and providing
homemade candy; and
WHEREAS, Through the decades, the membership of First Congregational
Church has expanded tremendously; this charming, welcoming country
church, known as "the little church with a big heart," has undergone
many renovation projects; and
WHEREAS, First Congregational Church lends assistance to the
community spiritually and financially; clothing drives, meals, and
Christmas gifts are just a few of the many kindnesses for disadvantaged
neighbors this humble place of worship provides; the Homeless Program
for Oneida County receives countless articles of clothing from the
congregants; and
WHEREAS, Many generations have attended First Congregational Church,
and present generations perpetuate the loving, caring, and compassionate
gathering of like-minded people who unselfishly share with the less
fortunate members of their community; 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 225th Anniversary of First Congregational Church of
Bridgewater, New York, 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 First Congregational Church.
