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TO RECOGNIZE AND CONGRATULATE THE REVEREND DR. J. HERBERT NELSON II, NEWLY ELECTED STATED CLERK FOR THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (U.S.A.), AND TO WISH HIM WELL AS HE TAKES UP HIS DUTIES AS HOLDER OF THE HIGHEST ECCLESIAL OFFICE IN HIS DENOMINATION.
Whereas, the South Carolina General Assembly is pleased to learn that Dr. J. Herbert Nelson II was elected stated clerk during the 222nd General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), an honor that elevates him to the top of his denomination of 1.5 million members; and
Whereas, formerly director of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Office of Public Witness in Washington, D.C., this Orangeburg native is the first African-American to hold the office of stated clerk for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.); and
Whereas, prior to becoming a third-generation graduate of Johnson C. Smith University (Presbyterian University, founded in 1865), Dr. Nelson had earned a bachelor's degree in political science/urban studies (1981). In 1985, he also earned a master of divinity from Johnson C. Smith Seminary (third-generation graduate) at the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Georgia. He received his doctor of ministry from Louisville Seminary in 2002; and
Whereas, before taking up his duties at the Office of Public Witness, this third-generation Presbyterian pastor served as founder/pastor of Liberation Community Presbyterian Church in Memphis, Tennessee. Chartered on April 11, 1999, it was the first African-American church developed in the Memphis presbytery in forty-six years. His ministry received the prestigious Walton grant, which is awarded by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) for outstanding work in new church development; and
Whereas, as an extension to his community-based ministry, Dr. Nelson served as associate director of the Benjamin L. Hooks Institute for Social Change at the University of Memphis. As a consultant, he provided staff-development training for teacher specialists, curriculum specialists, and principal leaders who provide assistance for low-performing schools. Earlier still in his career, Dr. Nelson served as pastor of St. James Presbyterian Church in Greensboro, North Carolina; and
Whereas, J. Herbert, as he is commonly known, serves as preacher, workshop leader, consultant, and writer. He is a featured conference preacher at Montreat, Mo Ranch, Highlands-Colorado, and Massanetta Springs conference centers in the Presbyterian Church. His writings have appeared in Presbyterians Today and the Presbyterian Outlook; and
Whereas, Dr. Nelson considers it one of the greatest triumphs of his life that he was able to persuade the lovely Gail Porter Nelson to become his dear wife. They are the proud parents of a daughter, Alycia Yvette Nelson; and
Whereas, the General Assembly, cognizant of his many years of service to his denomination, extends its best wishes to Dr. Nelson as he continues to serve in a new and higher capacity. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, recognize and congratulate the Reverend Dr. J. Herbert Nelson II, newly elected stated clerk for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), and wish him well as he takes up his duties as holder of the highest ecclesial office in his denomination.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the Reverend Dr. J. Herbert Nelson II.
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