Archives of the Mayor's Press Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: Monday, May 21, 2001
Release # 161-01

Contact: Sunny Mindel / Sid Dinsay (212) 788-2958


MAYOR GIULIANI SIGNS BILL RENAMING SECTION OF
FINDLAY AVENUE IN THE BRONX "REV. CHARLES BRITT WAY"

Remarks of Mayor Giuliani at Public Hearing on Local Laws

The first bill before me today is Introductory Number 820, sponsored by Council Members Foster, Carrion and Robles. The bill would add the name "Rev. Charles Britt Way" to Findlay Avenue, between East 168th and East 170th Streets, in the Bronx.

Reverend Charles Britt was born on May 28, 1908 in South Carolina. He came to New York in 1935 and soon after joined the Gethsemane Baptist Church in the Bronx. In 1956, Rev. Britt decided to form a new church. Along with a few members of Gethsemane, he founded the Greater Zion Baptist Church on Findlay Avenue. Rev. Britt worked as Greater Zion's pastor for 34 years, serving his community right up to the time of his death.

In addition to his work at Greater Zion, Rev. Britt was a member of the Executive Board for the Baptist Ministers' Conference, served with the United Missionary Baptist Association and worked with the Baptist Ministers' Association of Greater New York. He was honored many times over the years by his peers for his hard work and devoted service to his church.

Unfortunately, Rev. Charles Britt passed away on February 11, 1991.

Therefore, because of his distinguished career and many years of service to his community and church, it is fitting that Findlay Avenue, between East 168th Street and East 170th Street, be named "Rev. Charles Britt Way."

For the reasons previously stated, I will now sign the bill.

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