Senate Resolution No. 2353

BY: Senator MONTGOMERY

        HONORING  Reverend  Dr. Johnny Ray Youngblood upon
        the occasion of his  Consecration  to  the  esteemed
        office   of  Bishop  in  the  Union  of  Charismatic
        Orthodox Churches on January 19, 2020

  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 honor The Reverend
Dr.   Johnny Ray Youngblood upon the occasion of his Consecration to the
esteemed office of Bishop to be celebrated on Sunday, January 19,  2020,
at the Pilgrim Renaissance Convention Center, Brooklyn, New York; and

  WHEREAS,  Born  in  New  Orleans,  Louisiana,  he  graduated  with a
Bachelor of Arts degree from Dillard University, a  Master  of  Divinity
from  Colgate  Rochester  Divinity School, and his Doctorate of Ministry
from  United  Theological  Seminary;  this  devoted  man  also  received
Honorary  Doctorates  from  Dillard  University,  Boston University, and
Virginia Seminary; and

  WHEREAS, In 2001, Reverend Dr. Johnny Ray Youngblood was  called  to
serve  as  Interim Pastor/Advisor of Mount Pisgah Baptist Church (MPBC);
his intention was to serve one year, however on February  28,  2002,  he
was  voted  as Pastor Elect and installed as full-time Pastor on May 26,
2002; and

  WHEREAS, Under his leadership, attendance has more than tripled, and
the involvement of members has proven to be encouraging in both the  day
to day and week to week ministries; and

  WHEREAS,  The  MPBC has become the headquarters for the Project Safe
Surrender, a social justice program that assists in the acceptance of  a
people; and

  WHEREAS,  Prior  to  his  service with MPBC, Reverend Dr. Johnny Ray
Youngblood retired after 35 years of distinguished service as Pastor  of
St. Paul Community Baptist Church; and

  WHEREAS, A consummate pastor, teacher, organizer, leader, artist and
prophet,  Reverend Dr. Johnny Ray Youngblood's work is widely recognized
and, over the years, has earned him great respect  and  admiration  from
the members of his congregation; and

  WHEREAS,   This   distinguished   man   of   God  has  always  given
enlightenment, guidance and wisdom to the many entrusted to his care and
has administered  abundantly  and  unstintingly  to  the  spiritual  and
corporal needs of all; and

  WHEREAS,  Today,  Reverend  Dr.  Johnny  Ray Youngblood is the proud
father of three sons, Johnny Jernell, Joel Ray, and Jason Royce, and the
loving  grandfather  of  six  grandchildren,  Donnalyn,  Joshua,  Jalen,

Jordyn,  Jasmine  and  Nicholas,  all  of  whom  have shown him love and
support, and rejoice in his many achievements; and

  WHEREAS,  Reverend  Dr.  Johnny  Ray  Youngblood  has brought to his
ministry an overwhelming spirit of charity and compassion,  acting  from
vision  and enlightenment in conducting his administrative and spiritual
duties, while always displaying the highest standards  of  personal  and
professional integrity and dedication; and

  WHEREAS,  It  is the custom of this Legislative Body to reflect upon
those outstanding individuals who have made everlasting contributions on
behalf of their fellow man and have truly left their mark on this  great
Empire State; now, therefore, be it

  RESOLVED,  That  this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor The Reverend Dr. Johnny Ray Youngblood upon the  occasion  of  his
Consecration to the esteemed office of Bishop; and be it further

  RESOLVED,  That  a  copy  of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Reverend Dr. Johnny Ray Youngblood.