Senate Resolution No. 539 BY: Senator GRIFFO COMMEMORATING the 170th Anniversary of Rome Cemetery in Rome, New York on July 19, 2023 WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize milestones of significance which provide a vital service to the communities of the State of New York; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the 170th Anniversary of Rome Cemetery in Rome, New York on July 19, 2023; and WHEREAS, The Rome Cemetery Association was organized on August 7, 1851, and 25 acres of land was purchased from the farm of Thomas Williams for the purpose of a final resting place for Rome's citizens; and WHEREAS, On July 19, 1853, the cemetery was officially dedicated to the City of Rome; and WHEREAS, The original trustees of the Rome Cemetery Association were a prominent group of Romans that included many of the leading attorneys, bankers, doctors, and merchants of the City; and WHEREAS, In 1893, the Kingsley Memorial Chapel, a beautiful gothic style building of marble with stained glass windows, was given to the cemetery by Dr. and Mrs. W. J. P. Kingsley in memory of their son, Dr. G. Lyle Kingsley; and WHEREAS, The Parker F. Scripture Memorial Carillon was given to the cemetery by the family of the departed in 1988; Parker F. Scripture was a well-known local landscape architect and was also a member of the Cemetery Board; and WHEREAS, Many prominent Romans are buried in the Rome Cemetery, some of the most noteworthy being: Joshua Hathaway, Jesse Williams, Henrietta Bowen, Wilson Smith, Augustus Kessinger, John B. Jervis, Major Oscar Burkard, Rush Cady, Francis Bellamy, and Dr. W.J.P. Kingsley; and WHEREAS, From its original 25 acres, the Rome Cemetery has grown to over 140 acres, with a staff and board of directors dedicated to maintaining and enhancing the beauty of the grounds and unique buildings; and WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to observe events which symbolize the historical, social, and cultural development of this great Empire State and embody the principles upon which this Nation was founded; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the 170th Anniversary of Rome Cemetery in Rome, New York on July 19, 2023; and be it further RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the Staff and Board of Directors of the Rome Cemetery.