Assembly Resolution No. 459
BY: M. of A. Garbarino
COMMENDING Grace African Methodist Episcopal Zion
Church of Patchogue, New York, upon the occasion of
celebrating its 100th Anniversary on May 18, 2019
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 commending Grace
African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church upon the occasion of its 100th
Anniversary to be celebrated on Saturday, May 18, 2019; and
WHEREAS, In the summer of 1918, a group of interested community
members met at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Joaquin for the purpose
of organizing a church; the following were elected officers of this
newly formed mission: trustee board members consisted of Arthur P.
Yancy, President; David C. Joaquin, Secretary; and Arthur Joaquin,
Treasurer; stewardess board members consisted of Mrs. Arthur P. Yancy,
President; Mrs. Glenwood E. Hunter, Secretary; and Mrs. Arthur Joaquin,
Treasurer; and
WHEREAS, For a couple of years, Reverend Caleb Edwards, and then
Reverend Harry Wilson conducted religious services at the Joaquin's
home; after many fundraising events, a vacant lot was purchased,
followed by a church building which was then relocated to the corner of
Cleveland Street and Grant Place in 1920; and
WHEREAS, This church was named Grace African Methodist Episcopal
(A.M.E.) Zion Church, and its first pastor was Reverend T.H. Edwards;
and
WHEREAS, Throughout its history, several ministers have given
generously of their time, energy, and travel to Grace A.M.E. Zion
Church; each in their own way, whether spiritually, physically, or
financially, has added to the growth and success of the Church, in
beautification, strength, love, and fellowship; and
WHEREAS, Through the years, Grace A.M.E. Episcopal Zion Church has
experienced many changes; today, under the luminous leadership of
Reverend Jessie Fields, it is the oldest African American Church in
Patchogue, and continues to build on the firm foundation of their
forefathers with the cooperation of their congregation and dedicated
leaders; and
WHEREAS, Grace A.M.E. Zion 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
commend Grace African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church upon the occasion
of celebrating its 100th Anniversary on May 18, 2019, 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 The Reverend Jessie Fields, Grace African Methodist
Episcopal Zion Church.
