Reverend James R. Moore,  D.D.

Rev. James Robert Moore was born in Petersburg, Virginia on September 2, 1902. One of eight children born to the late Robert and Sarah Moore, he was five years of age when his family moved to New York City. He was a product of the New York City Public School System having attended the Henrietta Elementary School, Public School 87, and DeWitt Clinton High School, On December 25, 1935 Rev. Moore was united in holy matrimony to Gladys Pritchett. She is a graduate of Clark University in Atlanta. Georgia where she majored in child psychology. across the years they have continued to be a source of inspiration to one another-the epitome of an ideal couple.

Rev. Moore was baptized by the late Dr. George H. Sirnms, Pastor of the Baptist Church, which, at the time of his conversion, was locatedat west 63rd Street in the borough of Manhattan, Even prior to his call to the ministry James R. Moore was a fervent church worker at Union. In addition to teaching Sunday School he was elected to the Board of Deacons and Trustees and was President of the Baptist Training Union. Having received the call to preach he entered the Virginia Seminary and College at Lynchburg, Virginia to prepare for the Gospel Ministry and graduated therefrom in 1926. In 1928 Rev.Moore was called to Amity Baptist Church. He continued with post-graduate studies at City College, Columbia University and Union Theological Seminary. The Virginia Theological Seminary and College later conferred upon Rev. Moore the Degree of Doctor of Divinity.

Dr. Moore rose from humble beginnings to positions of honor and distinction among the Baptist Brotherhood. He was one of the founders and organizers of the old Manhattan, Bronx, Westchester and Staten Island Association. He served as President of the Baptist Training Union Auxiliary of the Eastern Baptist Association for seven years and became one of the founders of the State Convention, Sunday School and Bap­tist Training Union Retreat.

In addition, he served as President of the Hampton's Minister's Conference, President of the Baptist Minister's Conference of Greater New York and Vicinity and a delegate to the National Council of Churches of Christ, U.S.A.

Rev. Moore's genius for organization, his genial personality, his affability in his relationship with others, and his breath of knowledge of the multivarious interests of denominational life projected him as one of the outstanding leaders of our times. He demonstrated his executive ability during his tenure as Chairman of the Board of the Home for the Aged at Williamsbridge and, again, when he became instrumental in the establishment of the South Jamaica Housing Projects.

In 1974 he entered the political arena when he ran as the Republican Candidate for the office of State Assemblyman in the 29th District. Rev. Moore was the founder of the Amity Bowling League that cemented family relationships among the Amity Family and a close fellowship with other church Bowl­ing Leagues across the country. He also was serving as Imperial Deputy Chaplain of the Medina Temple. No 19 A.F.A.O.M.S.-P.H.A.

Dr. Moore was firm yet flexible, devout and yet not fanatical. It was these qualities which enabled him to build bridges of understanding in the realm of religion.

Because of his confidence in the external and his genuine love of people he stemmed the tide of many perplexing problems which have persisted in his pastorate. He was a counselor giving guidance to the young and the old, a rekindler of the fires of faith and a man who had given and demanded fidelity, honesty and fair play. He met the wind of change and could not be swept away from his moorings. Confident, critical, cautious, and courageous, he did not rush headlong into any given situation without deep contemplative thought. Notwithstanding, his prolonged meditative moments, he was a man of action. The greatness of Dr. James Moore has been seen in his reverence and love of God's Church. One of his favorite Bible verses was:

"The Lord hath kept me alive these ....Years.... as my strength was then, even so is my strength now .... both to go out and to come in." Joshua 14: 10-11.

He leaves to mourn his loss his beloved wife, Gladys; one nephew, Joe Moore; one niece, Elizabeth Phoenix; one grand-nephew, Donald Johnson; one great grand-nephew, Wayne Johnson; one great grant-niece, Deborah Johnson, and a host of relatives and friends.

On Thursday, October 20, 1983, our beloved Pastor and friend left us to go home to GOD, to receive his reward of a service well done.

My Heavenly Father called me to serve mankind

To teach, to preach and to be kind.

He has now called me to my heavenly home

Where my awards await me and I'll never be alone

Do not weep, nor be sad or blue

For my Heavenly Father watches over you...

By order of,

 THE FAMILY