K 819: Recognizing the 50th Anniversary of Valley Christian Church in Hopewell Junction, New York, and celebrating its Jubilee Celebration on September 25, 2025

 Assembly Resolution No. 819 BY: M. of A. Beephan COMMEMORATING the 50th Anniversary of Valley Christian Church in Hopewell Junction, New York, to be celebrated with a Jubilee on September 25, 2025 WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and honor those religious institutions and congregations within the State of New York that have faithfully served their communities and provided spiritual guidance for generations; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its longstanding traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Valley Christian Church in Hopewell Junction, New York, to be celebrated with a Jubilee on Thursday, September 25, 2025; and WHEREAS, Valley Christian Church was born out of a deep commitment to fellowship and faith, with its origins in several Bible study groups that gathered in the early 1970s at the home of Russ and Sharon Williamson; and WHEREAS, On September 15, 1975, these study groups joined together to hold their first public service of corporate worship and teaching at the Oak Grove Grange on Route 9; and WHEREAS, After a fire destroyed that facility in December of 1975, the congregation continued meeting in the Wappingers Fire House before relocating to the Mt. Hope Grange Building in June 1976, where they worshipped for the next five years; and WHEREAS, On June 18, 1981, Valley Christian Church purchased its current property at 1072 Route 82 in Hopewell Junction, New York, and transformed an existing garage into a church facility, holding its first service there on November 2, 1981; and WHEREAS, Groundbreaking for a new sanctuary began in April 1986, culminating in the dedication of the current structure on July 24, 1988; and WHEREAS, Dr. Greg Williamson, who was ordained at Valley Church on May 20, 1990, succeeded his father, Pastor Russ Williamson, as Lead Pastor in June 1993; alongside Pastor Susie Williamson, they have shepherded Valley Church through remarkable growth-from 120 attendees to more than 1,800 congregants today; and WHEREAS, Valley Christian Church stands as a testament to God's enduring grace and faithfulness, built through the vision, labor, and love of generations of worshippers, many of whom have gone on to their eternal reward, including founders Pastor Russ and Sharon Williamson; and WHEREAS, As it celebrates its 50th Anniversary Jubilee, Valley Christian Church remains a vibrant and influential force in the East Fishkill and greater Dutchess County community, continuing its mission of worship, service, and discipleship; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to comemorate the 50th Anniversary of Valley Christian Church, and to extend best wishes to its leadership and congregation for a meaningful celebration and continued success in the years ahead; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Valley Christian Church, Hopewell Junction, New York.