Senate Resolution No. 3032
BY: Senator AKSHAR
COMMEMORATING the 100th Anniversary of the
Nimmonsburg United Methodist Church of Binghamton,
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
100th Anniversary of the Nimmonsburg United Methodist Church of
Binghamton, New York; and
WHEREAS, This auspicious milestone will be celebrated with a myriad
of events throughout the year, beginning with a Church Rededication
Service and special Fellowship Time on Sunday, March 22, 2020, followed
by an event on Sunday, June 21, 2020, and then a Community Block
Party-Open House on Saturday, September 19, 2020; and
WHEREAS, The church was officially established in the original
schoolhouse in 1920, by six families who desired to worship as a group;
since they did not have a minister of their own, they shared one with
Chenango Bridge Methodist Church; and
WHEREAS, In 1921, Reverend Stephen Hancock became the first Pastor
of the Church, and under his guidance, a society was formed, and the
church was incorporated on March 15, 1920, with the official name of
Nimmonsburg Methodist Episcopal Church; and
WHEREAS, Less than a week later, 13 charter members were asked to
join the new Church, and 15 more were added through Reverend Stephen
Hancock's out-minister duties; and
WHEREAS, On July 5, 1921, the congregation purchased the Port
Dickinson First Baptist Church building, and it was moved to 1041 Upper
Front Street; after a fire destroyed the Church on March 19, 1922, a new
building was dedicated on June 24, 1923, while Reverend Charles Adams
was minister; and
WHEREAS, Between 1920-1926, membership grew to 50 people, and 16
pastors had led the church, until Reverend H. W. Thomas became the first
permanent minister, a position he held for 10 years; and
WHEREAS, On its 25th Anniversary, the Nimmonsburg United Methodist
Church Parsonage was dedicated on July 27, 1948, and Reverend Richard
Graham came to live in the home; and
WHEREAS, During the 1950s and 1960s, the Church continued to grow
under Reverends Richard Graham, F. Porter Adams, Austin T. Roers, Arthur
M. Andrews, and Donald L. Carter; a larger church was built on January
30, 1972, and a consecration service was held on March 16, 1972; and
WHEREAS, Through the years, the Nimmonsburg United Methodist Church
continued to thrive and flourish; unfortunately, between 2005 and 2011,
the church was heavily damaged by three separate floods; however, the
congregation came together each time to clean the building, and the
church continued its ministries; and
WHEREAS, Today, the Nimmonsburg United Methodist Church consists of
252 members, and offers numerous services to not only its congregation,
but the community as well; and
WHEREAS, Under the luminous leadership of Reverend Jenni Piatt, the
Nimmonsburg United Methodist 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
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Nimmonsburg United Methodist
Church of Binghamton, 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 The Reverend Jenni Piatt, Pastor, Nimmonsburg United
Methodist Church.