Bill Text: NY J02598 | 2023-2024 | General Assembly | Introduced
Bill Title: Congratulating Reverend Margarett Elaine McCollins Flake, D. Min., upon the occasion of her retirement, as Senior Pastor, after many years of distinguished ministry to the Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2024-06-04 - ADOPTED [J02598 Detail]
Download: New_York-2023-J02598-Introduced.html
Senate Resolution No. 2598 BY: Senator COMRIE CONGRATULATING Reverend Margarett Elaine McCollins Flake, D. Min., upon the occasion of her retirement, as Senior Pastor, after many years of distinguished ministry to the Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral WHEREAS, The character and richness of religious and community life in this noble Empire State is nourished and fulfilled through the faithful concern and selfless devotion of those who would commit their energies and purpose to the ministry of others; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to bring full recognition and just tribute to those individuals who distinguish themselves and the ministry through their unremitting commitment and preeminence of service; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate Reverend Margarett Elaine McCollins Flake, D. Min., upon the occasion of her retirement, as Senior Pastor, after many years of distinguished ministry to the Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral in New York City, on Sunday, June 2, 2024; and WHEREAS, Reverend Margarett Elaine McCollins Flake, D. Min., earned her Bachelor of Arts in English degree from Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee; from Boston University, she earned her Master of Arts in English degree, and she obtained her Master of Divinity degree from Union Theological Seminary in New York City; from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio, she was awarded the Doctor of Ministry degree; and WHEREAS, Fondly called "Reverend Elaine" by her congregation, Reverend Margarett Elaine McCollins Flake founded the Allen Christian School with her husband, Reverend Doctor Floyd H. Flake, in 1982; since 1983, she has served as Advisor to the Missionary Department, as well as many other ministries, at Allen Women's Resource Center, which houses women and children who are victims of domestic violence, the organization she helped to develop; and WHEREAS, Recognized as a powerful preacher, teacher, and role model with a gift for reaching worshipers of all ages, Reverend Margarett Elaine McCollins Flake makes a powerful impact on the countless lives she touches; until May of 2020, she co-pastored the Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral, receiving the appointment of Senior Pastor upon her husband's retirement; she has dedicated her life to the betterment of others by leading in Christian education, evangelism, and outreach ministries; and WHEREAS, Reverend Margarett Elaine McCollins Flake proudly serves as Advisor and Coordinator of the Allen Women's Ministry Department, hosting an annual retreat which is attended by more than 1,000 women who journey across the country and from the Caribbean; she has been a significant influence in the growing membership of the Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral, presently numbering more than 15,000 worshipers; and WHEREAS, Throughout the years, Reverend Margarett Elaine McCollins Flake rendered faithful, conscientious, and valuable ministry to the residents of New York City and its neighboring communities; she mentors numerous leaders in the New York City area and frequently accepts invitations to speak at events throughout the country; she also serves on several community boards; and WHEREAS, Reverend Margarett Elaine McCollins Flake, as well as her husband, has authored and/or contributed to several books; she has received numerous citations and awards for her years of service and ministry; in March of 2017, she received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Union Theological Seminary and is an inductee of Morehouse College's Martin Luther King, Jr., Board of Preachers; and WHEREAS, Reverend Margarett Elaine McCollins Flake is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and the National Council of Negro Women, Inc., as well as the current National Chaplain of The Links, Incorporated; and WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her husband of 47 years, Reverend Doctor Floyd H. Flake; their children, Aliya, Nailah, Robert Rasheed, and Harold Hasan; and their granddaughter, Nia Renee, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of her life and rejoice in her achievements; and WHEREAS, Reverend Margarett Elaine McCollins Flake, D. Min., has brought an overwhelming spirit of charity and compassion to her ministry and community, acting from vision and enlightenment in conducting her administrative and spiritual duties, while always displaying the highest standards of personal and professional integrity and dedication; and WHEREAS, This distinguished woman of God has always given enlightenment, guidance, and wisdom to the many entrusted to her care and has administered abundantly and unstintingly to the spiritual and corporal needs of all; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that, when individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention, it is appropriate to publicly and jubilantly proclaim and commend those individuals for the edification of others; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to congratulate Reverend Margarett Elaine McCollins Flake, D. Min., upon the occasion of her retirement, as Senior Pastor, after many years of distinguished ministry to the Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral in New York City, on June 2, 2024, and extend to her the heartfelt best wishes of this Legislative Body for a future of purposeful success and well-being; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Reverend Margarett Elaine McCollins Flake, D. Min.