Bill Text: NY J01316 | 2023-2024 | General Assembly | Introduced

---

Bill Title: Honoring The Reverend Dr. Robert M. Waterman upon the occasion of celebrating his 21st Pastoral Anniversary

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Passed) 2023-06-06 - ADOPTED [J01316 Detail]

Download: New_York-2023-J01316-Introduced.html

---

Senate Resolution No. 1316

BY: Senator PARKER

        HONORING  The Reverend Dr. Robert M. Waterman upon
        the  occasion  of  celebrating  his  21st   Pastoral
        Anniversary

  WHEREAS,  It  is  the  sense of this Legislative Body to commend the
efforts of those individuals within the State of New York  who  give  of
their  time  and energies in support of spiritual endeavors which aim to
benefit the community at large; and

  WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and  in  full  accord  with  its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
The Reverend Dr. Robert M. Waterman upon the occasion of celebrating his
21st Pastoral Anniversary on February 26, 2023; and

  WHEREAS,  Rev.  Dr. Robert M. Waterman, known to many as Pastor Rob,
previously served as the Associate Pastor  and  Youth  Pastor  at  Union
Baptist  Church in White Plains, New York under the pastoral guidance of
Reverends Robert L. Mason and Verlin D. Williams; and

  WHEREAS, Currently serving as Lead Pastor of Antioch Baptist  Church
in Brooklyn, New York, Rev. Dr. Robert M. Waterman is credited with many
notable achievements in relation to the betterment of the church and his
community  as  a  whole;  for example, he brought about new seats in the
balcony, a large influx of youth to fill them, an after-school  homework
program, and the revival of the Wednesday night Bible study; and

  WHEREAS,  Rev.  Dr.  Robert  M.  Waterman  graduated  from  New York
Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity in May of 2003, and  went
on  to  complete  his  Doctor of Ministry from Drew University in May of
2009; since his installation, he  has  worked  closely  with  the  Youth
Ministry, established leadership classes and retreats, re-instituted the
Christian   Education   Ministry,   spearheaded   the   purchase   of  a
state-of-the-art sound system in the sanctuary, and revived the  Antioch
Community Services for youth and seniors; and

  WHEREAS, In demonstration of his unrelenting service and devotion to
his  community,  Rev. Dr. Robert M. Waterman purchased a building in the
community which now houses a Christian  lounge;  he  also  serves  as  a
substitute  teacher  in the New York public school system, and serves on
Community Board 3 as the Ecumenical Committee Chairman, and formerly was
the Chairperson of the Transportation Committee; and

  WHEREAS, Rev. Dr. Robert M. Waterman is a  member  of  the  National
Black   Commission   on   AIDS  and  the  Chair  of  the  "Securing  our
Institutions" component of the Black Empowerment Convention; he is  also
the  Ecumenical  Chair of the Black Leadership Commission on AIDS (BLCA)
in Brooklyn, New York, and is President of the African  American  Clergy
and  Elected Officials (AACEO) in Brooklyn, as well as a lifetime member
of the NAACP; and

  WHEREAS,  Rev.  Dr.  Robert  M.  Waterman  is  proud  of  the   many
renovations  and  updates  he  has  brought to the church throughout his
tenure; some changes he oversaw include painting, restoring and covering

pews,  installing  new  carpeting,  the  marbleizing  of  columns,   and
renovation  of  the  room that houses several ministries, such as Sunday
school classes and the after-school program; and

  WHEREAS, Additionally, a restoration project was done to the Antioch
Baptist   Fellowship  Hall,  which  is  a  multi-purpose  use  room  for
conferences and dining purposes; this project included painting and  new
lighting; and

  WHEREAS,  Rev. Dr. Robert M. Waterman is the author of the book, God
Has Left the Building; and

  WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his beloved wife,  Lady  Lola
Oguntunde,  and  their  cherished children, Nia, Imani, and Jada, all of
whom privileged to be a part  of  his  life  and  rejoice  in  his  many
achievements; and

  WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when a person
of such noble aims and accomplishments is brought to our attention it is
appropriate  to  publicly  and  jubilantly  proclaim  and  commend  that
individual for the edification of others; now, therefore, be it

  RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its  deliberations  to
honor  The  Reverend  Dr.  Robert  M.  Waterman  upon  the  occasion  of
celebrating his 21st Pastoral Anniversary on February 26, 2023;  and  be
it further

  RESOLVED,  That  a  copy  of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Rev. Dr. Robert M. Waterman.