Assembly Resolution No. 131 BY: M. of A. Norris COMMEMORATING the 200th Anniversary of the First Presbyterian Church in Lockport, 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 200th Anniversary of the First Presbyterian Church in Lockport, New York; and WHEREAS, In January of 1823, 30 men and women signed the charter of the First Presbyterian Society of the Villages of Lockport; Pastor Aratus Kent was the first to lead the church, and through the years, many more were to follow; currently, it is led by Reverend William James Hardy who has served the congregation since 2009; and WHEREAS, Through the years, the Church has moved to three buildings on two locations and gone through international wars and numerous local changes; and WHEREAS, In addition to being a sanctuary for all, the First Presbyterian Church is known for its music, peanut brittle, community-out-reach programs, reformed worship and its stained-glass windows; and WHEREAS, The Tiffany glass windows were added throughout a period of years, beginning with "They Came to the Master," in 1900, and concluding with "Isiah" in 1953; and WHEREAS, Donated in 1950, the chancel window depicts Jesus with his right hand raised in the traditional gesture of a teacher; surrounding him are scenes of the life, work, and recreation in and around Lockport; designed by Stephen Palmer and a committee of church members, the images including Fort Niagara (History), Main Street (Business), Erie Canal (Waterways), Farm (Agriculture), Factory (Industry), Niagara Falls (Nature), The Union School (Education), a local house (Home), Court House (Law), and a stagecoach (Transportation); and WHEREAS, At the bottom of the window is the log school where the congregation was formed in 1823, and the words, "In Him all things are held together."; and WHEREAS, The First Presbyterian 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 200th Anniversary of the First Presbyterian Church, 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 William James Hardy, First Presbyterian Church in Lockport, New York.