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Robert Clarence Lawson was born on May 5, 1883 in New Iberia, Louisiana. After moving to New York, Bishop Lawson founded the Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith in Harlem in 1919. He began a campaign to raise money for the new church which he renamed The Refuge Church of Christ. In 1945, the church moved from a small building on 133rd Street, to a larger, revamped theater on 124th Street, with the new church being named the "Greater Refuge Temple."
His sermons were broadcast on several radio stations that eventually enabled Bishop Lawson to spread the word of his church around the world. In addition to being a great orator, he was a prolific writer of books and songs.
As a tribute to his tireless work and contributions to the community, this legislation would add the name "Bishop R.C. Lawson Place" to West 124th Street, between Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Boulevard and Malcolm X Boulevard, in Harlem.
For the reasons previously stated, I will now sign the bill.