New York J 1874: Congratulating The Reverend Father Darryl F. James for his retirement after 35 years of distinguished ministry to the residents of Queens, New York

Bill Text

Senate Resolution No. 1874
Senator COMRIEBY:
The Reverend Father Darryl F. JamesCONGRATULATING
upon the occasion of his retirement after 35 years
of distinguished ministry to the residents of
Queens, New York
The character and richness of religious and community lifeWHEREAS,
in this noble Empire State is nourished and fulfilled through the
faithful concern and selfless devotion of those who would commit their
energies and purpose to the ministry of others; and
It is the custom of this Legislative Body to bring fullWHEREAS,
recognition and just tribute to those individuals who distinguish
themselves and the ministry through their unremitting commitment and
preeminence of service; and
This Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate TheWHEREAS,
Reverend Father Darryl F. James upon the occasion of his retirement
after 35 years of distinguished ministry to the residents of Queens, New
York; and
For the last 12 years, Reverend Father Darryl F. James hasWHEREAS,
served as the Rector of the historic Grace Episcopal Church in Jamaica,
Queens, the position from which he will officially retire in June of
2019; and
This auspicious milestone will be celebrated over theWHEREAS,
course of three days with a myriad of events from June 21-23, 2019,
including a Gala held on Saturday, June 22, 2019, at Terrace on the Park
in Flushing, New York; and
Darryl Farrar James was born to Laurayne (Farrar) andWHEREAS,
Anthony James, Sr. on July 3, 1954, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and grew
up in both Richmond, Virginia, and Spring Valley, New York; in 1975, he
earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Howard University, and four
years later, his Master of Divinity degree from Yale University; and
After graduating, Darryl F. James was assigned to TrinityWHEREAS,
Cathedral in Newark, New Jersey, where he worked under the tutelage of
Dean Dillard Robinson; he was then ordained as a deacon in 1984, at St.
Matthew's and St. Joseph's Church, where he was also appointed Assistant
for Youth and Young Adult Ministries; and
In 1985, Darryl F. James was ordained to the priesthood byWHEREAS,
the Reverend John M. Burgess in Detroit, Michigan; later that year, he
became the Rector of the Messiah-St. Bartholomew Church in Chicago,
Illinois, where he remained for 21 years; and
Reverend Darryl F. James was subsequently named to theWHEREAS,
Chicago School Board, serving from 1990-1995; also in 1990, he was named
the National President of the Union of Black Episcopalians; and

In 2007, Reverend Darryl F. James became theWHEREAS,
Priest-in-Charge of the Grace Episcopal Church in Jamaica, Queens; three
years later, he assumed the role as church Rector; and
In this capacity, Reverend Darryl F. James launched severalWHEREAS,
initiatives including the Bishop Thompson, Jr. Summer Music and Arts
Workshop, the annual Father's Day Men of Valor Luncheon, and the
Volunteers Appreciation Dinner; and
In 2005, Reverend Darryl F. James, in partnership with St.WHEREAS,
Luke's Episcopal Church, assisted Hurricane Katrina victims in New
Orleans, Louisiana, providing aid and performing mission work in the
region; this compassionate man also participated in a pilgrimage to
Northern India, visiting the Diocese of Mumbai and North India in Delhi,
and sponsored college tours for prospective college students throughout
the United States; and
As a member of the Diocese of Long Island and the QueensWHEREAS,
community, Reverend Darryl F. James joined the Investment Committee and
the Episcopal Health Service Board of Managers, and co-founded the
Downtown Jamaica Clergy; later, he served as President of the Queens
Federation of Churches; and
Reverend Father Darryl F. James has brought to his ministryWHEREAS,
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
This distinguished man of God has always given guidance andWHEREAS,
wisdom to the many entrusted to his care and has administered abundantly
and unstintingly to the spiritual and corporal needs of all; and
It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when a personWHEREAS,
of such noble aims and accomplishments is brought to our attention it is
appropriate to publicly and jubilantly proclaim and commend that
individual for the edification of others; now, therefore, be it
That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations toRESOLVED,
congratulate The Reverend Father Darryl Farrar James upon the occasion
of his retirement after 35 years of distinguished ministry to the
residents of Queens, New York, noting his unremitting and compassionate
faith and his exemplary service to God, man, and his community, and
extending to him the heartfelt best wishes of this Legislative Body for
a future of purposeful success and well-being; and be it further
That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, beRESOLVED,
transmitted to The Reverend