Senate Resolution No. 2100
BY: Senator COMRIE
MOURNING the death of Bishop Dr. Charles Leslie
Norris, Sr., beloved man of faith, visionary pastor,
and devoted servant to his 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, Bishop Dr.
Charles Leslie Norris, Sr., was one such individual; and
WHEREAS, It is with profound sorrow and deep regret that this
Legislative Body records the passing of Bishop Dr. Charles Leslie
Norris, Sr., a respected clergyman, mentor, and community leader whose
life was marked by faith, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to
Christian service; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Charles Norris devoted his life to helping others,
embodying the mission of reflecting Christian values of loving his
family, serving fellow Christians, and serving the community, earning
honor for the life he lived and the service he rendered to others; and
WHEREAS, As a man, Dr. Charles Norris first ministered to his family
which extends to three generations; he was married to the late Ruby D.
Norris for more than forty years; the couple were blessed with two sons,
Keith Alexander Norris and Charles Leslie Norris, Jr.; and
WHEREAS, Upon the passing of his first love of his life, Dr. Charles
Norris married the second love of his life, Arnella Anesta Webson Norris
who cared for him until he took his last breath; and
WHEREAS, Bishop Charles Norris accepted the call into pastoral
leadership at Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church in 1972 and was elected
Pastor on May 3, 1973; he worked to strengthen the Church, negotiating
and purchasing the Hillside Center from the First Presbyterian Church of
Jamaica to install a house of worship; and
WHEREAS, Bishop Charles Norris led this congregation for
approximately 40 years, preaching, teaching, and touching the hearts of
the people with an unconditional love in word and deed; and
WHEREAS, Bishop Norris's ministerial vision and style gave way to
spiritual leadership and mentorship, attracting and benefiting many
renowned ministers; he led programs for individuals and families who
were battling AIDS and tended to the needs of the homeless;
additionally, he provided guidance to grassroots activists who emerged
as legislative leaders at the local, state, and federal levels; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Charles Norris was presented with an honorary Doctor of
Divinity degree by the Educational and Theological Consortium of the
Eastern United States, on the basis of his twelve consecutive years as
Pastor and Minister of Worship at Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church, as
well as serving faithfully in several offices in the Eastern Baptist
Association as Vice Moderator of Queens and Recording and Corresponding
Secretary; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Charles Norris also served as a board member of the
NAACP, member of the Second Chance Panel, member of the York College
Presidents' Advisory Council, and Executive Secretary of the Southeast
Queens Clergy for Community Empowerment; he was also a graduate of the
Urban Ministry Program of New York Theological Seminary and New York
City Mission; and
WHEREAS, Bishop Charles Norris's past achievements include a Mayoral
appointment to the Human Rights Commission and a Queens Borough
President appointment as Chairman of the Martin Luther King, Jr.,
Commission of Queens County; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Charles Norris grounded his ministry in Christian
principles of fairness, justice, compassion, and cultivation of genuine
Christian community, leaving a lasting and meaningful legacy; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Charles Norris is lovingly remembered by his family,
the congregation of Bethesda Missionary 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 Bishop Dr. Charles Leslie Norris, Sr., and to honor
his enduring legacy of faith, leadership, and service to the Queens
community and beyond; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Bishop Dr. Charles Leslie Norris, Sr.
