Senate Resolution No. 2356 BY: Senator GRIFFO COMMEMORATING the 100th Anniversary of the Delta Lake Bible Conference Center of Rome, 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 is justly proud to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Delta Lake Bible Conference Center of Rome, New York; and WHEREAS, Dr. A. B. Simpson, the founder of the Christian and Missionary Alliance, began a yearly Convention of people whose hearts desired deeper Biblical study and supported his missions worldwide; and WHEREAS, In 1923, the CMA District Superintendent, Reverend G. Verner Brown, was informed of a grove north of Rome, New York, overlooking Delta Lake; other interested parties offered more money, but the farmer believed it should be used for a Godly purpose; and WHEREAS, When the Conventions began at Delta Lake, there were no buildings on the property, just tents for sleeping, eating, and praying; through World War II, Conventions were held even through the expense of wartime gas rationing; and WHEREAS, Following the war, the leadership developed youth ministries with more than one thousand teens and children attending summer camp in 1970; and WHEREAS, In 1971, Reverend William Moon, who served as an aid to students with disabilities, developed a camp for persons with special needs; that emphasis became a new focused outreach as his Haven Camps developed over the following years; and WHEREAS, Throughout these changes, ministries touch hearts, and building lives continues unabated; since its inception, the expansion of Delta's programming, guest groups, and side businesses has expanded its purpose; and WHEREAS, Furthermore, its current programs include: Youth Camps, Family Camp, Haven Camps, Teen Chill, Night to Shine, and Delta Men; and WHEREAS, Today, the Delta Lake Bible Conference Center is a year-round ministry which continues to embrace the purpose and mission for which it was created 100 years ago, "Welcoming Guests to Encounter Jesus Christ!"; and WHEREAS, Over the past 100 years, the Delta Lake Bible Conference Center has made an indelible impact on the Rome community; and WHEREAS, The Delta Lake Bible Conference Center 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 100th Anniversary of the Delta Lake Bible Conference Center of Rome, New York, 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 Delta Lake Bible Conference Center of Rome, New York.