Bill Text: NY J01291 | 2021-2022 | General Assembly | Introduced
Bill Title: Congratulating Reverend Robert W. Dixon, Sr. upon the occasion of celebrating his 100th Birthday
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2022-01-11 - ADOPTED [J01291 Detail]
Download: New_York-2021-J01291-Introduced.html
Senate Resolution No. 1291 BY: Senator BRESLIN CONGRATULATING Reverend Robert W. Dixon, Sr. upon the occasion of celebrating his 100th Birthday WHEREAS, Senior citizens bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the increasingly active roles they play in today's society; their past contributions and future participation are a vital part of, and valuable asset to, the fabric of community life and activity; and WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to commemorate and recognize certain milestones celebrated by citizens of this great Empire State; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate Reverend Robert W. Dixon, Sr. upon the occasion of celebrating his 100th Birthday on Friday, September 10, 2021; and WHEREAS, Reverend Robert Walter Dixon, Sr. has served in the pastorate for over 55 years; his first pastorate was at Central Baptist Church in Salt Point, New York, for 19 years; and WHEREAS, In June of 1977, he became Pastor of Mount Calvary Baptist Church in Albany, New York, and served for 36 years, retiring September 11, 2013; and WHEREAS, Recently, the title of Pastor Emeritus was bestowed upon him by the Mount Calvary Church Family who has truly been blessed by this man of God who has served longer than any pastor in the history of the church; and WHEREAS, An experienced expositor and apologist of the Gospel, Reverend Robert W. Dixon, Sr. is known for the succinctness of his sermons that leave an enduring impact on one's conscience and heart; and WHEREAS, Reverend Robert W. Dixon, Sr. has been an involved community activist; while in Salt Point, New York, he was an independent candidate for the office of Mayor of Poughkeepsie, Vice President of the Poughkeepsie Middle School Board and Vice Chair of the Dutchess County Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Committee; and WHEREAS, Upon relocating to Albany, he became an involved, visible and outspoken lifetime member of the NAACP and was recognized for his leadership qualities by the Albany Branch; and WHEREAS, Reverend Robert W. Dixon, Sr. has received numerous awards from the community for his untiring work in the Capital District; a leader of leaders, he garners the respect across all sectors of the community; he was extremely instrumental in the implementation of the Community Police Relations Board, serving as its Chairman from 1984 t0 1998; and WHEREAS, Reverend Robert W. Dixon, Sr. is a member of the Capital Area Council of Churches, and served as Chairman of the Albany Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Commission and former member of the New York State Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission; and WHEREAS, Furthermore, Reverend Robert W. Dixon, Sr. was instrumental in the erection of the memorial to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Lincoln Park, and is the former Chairman of the African American Clergy United for Empowerment Organization; and WHEREAS, Reverend Robert W. Dixon, Sr. served as a member of the Advisory Committee on Communities and the Law, the Salvation Army Board of Directors of Albany, and other boards and committees in the City of Albany; and WHEREAS, He was employed at IBM in Poughkeepsie, New York, for 28 years and retired as Manager of Production Control; he also served in the Armed Services, stationed at West Point for nearly five years; and WHEREAS, Moreover, Reverend Robert W. Dixon, Sr. has been a member of the Central Hudson Baptist Association for over 50 years, serving as Treasurer and later as the Moderator; in recognition of his faithfulness to the association, the Robert W. Dixon Retreat Fund was established in his honor; and WHEREAS, From 1998 to 2005, he served as President of the Empire Baptist Convention, leading an organization of over 500 churches; during his tenure as President, the organization saw a dramatic increase in involvement in civic activities; he provided a platform for future state leaders to share their views with over 5,000 constituents, demonstrating that there is a need for church and state to work together to address the needs and concerns of all residents of New York; and WHEREAS, In February of 2015, Convention President, Reverend Ronald Grant, appointed him President Emeritus of the convention; and WHEREAS, Since his retirement, Reverend Robert W. Dixon, Sr. has truly enjoyed life to the fullest; he is an independent, stick to his word and mean it person; many pastors have asked him to come out of retirement and preach for them "just one more time" and his answer remains the same, "no I'm retired"; and WHEREAS, Reverend Robert W. Dixon, Sr. has been married to Georgia Bryant Dixon for 47 years and together they are the proud parents of seven children and the loving grandparents of nine grandchildren; and WHEREAS, With his zest for life, this exceptional centenarian has inspired and enhanced the lives of his family and friends; he has truly enriched those around him through his joyous and sincere love for others and through the quiescent charm and wisdom which comes only from a fullness of years; and WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to publicly recognize those who have reached such a remarkable age and who have witnessed and celebrated the innovations, cultural developments and awesome achievements of this country during the last century, while themselves contributing to the growth and excellence of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to congratulate Reverend Robert W. Dixon, Sr. upon the occasion of celebrating his 100th Birthday; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Reverend Robert W. Dixon, Sr.