Huntington renamed Spring Road Saturday in honor of the late Bishop Norris Porter, a man recalled for his dedication to serving his community.
He served the Huntington community for more than 50 years before his death last year. He co-founded Christian Charities Deliverance Church in 1974, and led efforts to help members of the community with food insecurity, housing issues, drug and alcohol rehabilitation and employment.
In a ceremony held to unveil a sign bearing his name at the intersection of Nassau and Spring Roads, speakers extolled his commitment to Huntington and to his faith. He set up churches in other communities, including Bay Shore, Central Islip as well as other states, and had a radio program where he fielded a wide range of questions.
The Rev. Bernadette Watkins evoked knowing laughter from the large crowd that turned out for the unveiling when she talked about Porter’s dedication. “I’d come down to the church sometime in the afternoon, and he would just be there praying. I think sometimes he slept there,” she said.
“It is a fitting tribute to rename Spring Road, the road leading to Christian Charities Deliverance Church, to Bishop Norris Porter Way, Spring Road, as an acknowledgment to his dedication and service to the people and the community he loved and inspired,” Town Councilman Sal Ferro said.
Bishop Norris Porter Dies; Grassroots Activist in Huntington