At the invitation of Suffolk Legislator Tom Donnelly, Bishop Winfred J. Pippen of the First Baptist Church of Deer Park, opened the Suffolk County Legislature’s General Session on March 26 with an inspirational non-denominational invocation.
Speaking before elected officials, county representatives and other attendees at the William H. Rogers Legislature Building in Hauppauge, Bishop Pippen offered a poignant blessing invoking “faith and calm assurance” and embracing “splendid diversity.” Bishop Pippen has been a pastor of the First Baptist Church of Deer Park for more than 30 years. He was recently honored by the Deer Park Community Association at its 2019 Black History Month Celebration. He and his wife Mary have two daughters.
“I thank Bishop Pippen for inspiring all of us with his meaningful invocation,” said Legislator Donnelly. “Bishop Pippen’s hopeful appeal for courage, wisdom and peace was an ideal and important start to start our legislative meeting.”