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TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR AIKEN CHAPEL MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH FOR ITS HISTORY OF MINISTRY TO THE COMMUNITY AND TO CONGRATULATE THE PASTOR AND CONGREGATION FOR A CENTURY OF SERVICE TO THEIR GOD AND TO THEIR FELLOWMAN.
Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives is pleased to learn that Aiken Chapel Missionary Baptist Church of Taylors will commemorate "100 Years of God's Grace" at a centennial celebratory gala at Younts Conference Center at Furman University on Saturday, June 24, 2017; and
Whereas, in 1915, fourteen people purchased three acres of land from Mrs. Ida Aiken to build a church with the stipulation that the church would be named in her honor, and thus began the establishment of Aiken Chapel Missionary Baptist Church; and
Whereas, by 1916, the first sanctuary of Aiken Chapel Church was completed for the fourteen worshippers, who previously had been members of Jubilee Baptist Church; and
Whereas, the late Reverend R. L. Goodwin served for two years as the first pastor of Aiken Chapel, and by the early 1920s, the tireless congregation began to experience a growth in membership and the organization of various church auxiliaries, such as a choir, an usher board, and a missionary society; and
Whereas, the late T. A. Anderson, George Greer, and R. B. Wharton served as the first deacons of Aiken Chapel Church, and the late T. A. Anderson served as the first superintendent of Sunday school;
Whereas, in 1929, the congregation elected the late Reverend J. H. Gilmore pastor, who served the church for twenty-two years. Under his leadership, the church added several hundred members, a musical choir was organized, and the church was renovated; and
Whereas, in 1955, a trustee board and a steering committee were organized, and the latter committee worked diligently to raise funds for a new church building; and
Whereas, ground was broken in December of 1962 for a new Aiken Chapel Church, which was completed June 1 the following year with a sanctuary that has a seating capacity of four hundred, an educational building with ten classrooms, an assembly hall, pastor's study, kitchen and dining area, choir room, and office; and
Whereas, the Reverend W. O. Harrison was elected pastor in June 1982, and under his ministry, church membership has increased and financial reports have doubled. New pews have been added; the church grounds have been paved and marked for parking and handicap provisions have been installed. In addition, the Inspirational Choir was formed, a softball team organized, and a financial secretary added; and
Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives values the ministry of Aiken Chapel Church, and the members celebrate with the congregation and pastor as they reach the remarkable milestone of one hundred years of serving God in the Taylors community. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and honor Aiken Chapel Missionary Baptist Church for its history of ministry to the community and congratulate the pastor and congregation for a century of service to their God and their fellowman.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Reverend Dr. W. O. Harrison, Sr., senior pastor of Aiken Chapel Missionary Baptist Church.
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