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TO HONOR PASTOR BERNARD WHITE OF MT. ZION BAPTIST CHURCH IN GREENWOOD COUNTY FOR HIS FORTY YEARS OF GOSPEL MINISTRY AT MT. ZION, TO CONGRATULATE HIM ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT, AND TO WISH HIM GOD'S RICHEST BLESSINGS AS HE CONTINUES TO SERVE THE LORD.
Whereas, it is a great pleasure to honor those individuals who give tirelessly of themselves to nurture the souls of men. Pastor Bernard White of Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Greenwood County stands among their number as an outstanding minister of the Gospel, one much admired by colleagues, congregation, and area residents at large; and
Whereas, born February 13, 1949, in the Promised Land community of Greenwood County, Bernard White was the son of Rufus and Janie L. White. The second oldest of five siblings, young Bernard went to live with his grandparents, Gus and Pearl, on their farm; and
Whereas, at an early age, Pastor White joined Cross Road Baptist Church. He served as assistant superintendent of Sunday School and later was elected superintendent. When he was twenty-one, Bernard White was called into the ministry. He was licensed to preach and ordained under the Little River Baptist Association #2, serving as pastor of Mt. Enon Baptist Church in Saluda for three years, after which he was elected pastor of Milway Baptist Church and saw Milway erect a new church. Several months after being elected pastor of Milway, he also was elected pastor of Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Greenwood County's Coronaca community, where he has served as under-shepherd of his flock for forty years; and
Whereas, Pastor White received his bachelor's degree in sociology at Lander University, as well as an associate degree in theology from Calvary Bible Institute in Greenwood. Further study followed with Clemson University, the Southern Baptist Seminary Extension, and Erskine Theological Seminary; and
Whereas, having taken up his role as pastor of Mt. Zion Baptist Church on April 9, 1977, Bernard White spearheaded efforts to enlarge the congregation's ministry and membership. He organized an all-male choir, a softball team, the Inspirational Choir, Deaconess Club, and Willing Workers Club. The church began holding a worship service each Sunday, rather than just twice each month. A new piano, hymnbooks, bookracks, microphone system, and choir robes for the Youth Choir and Sunbeams were purchased. With God's help, the church's mortgage-burning ceremony was held in 1980, a fellowship hall was dedicated in 1982, and a family life center was constructed in 1991. Numerous other improvements followed. The church began having two services and added small-group ministries, AWANA children's Bible study, a child development center, and, in 2004, a new sanctuary. Additional property was purchased, and renovations were carried out; and
Whereas, Pastor White, a dedicated family man, is the loving husband of the former Willie E. Norman. The Whites are the proud parents of son Vence and daughter Nicole, and they delight in their four grandchildren; and
Whereas, to honor him on the occasion of his September 1, 2017, retirement, Pastor White's congregation gathered for a celebratory event held on September 15; and
Whereas, for his many years of spiritual nourishment of the people of South Carolina, Pastor White is due grateful thanks and wishes for God's best as he continues to run the race the Lord has set before him. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate:
That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, this resolution, honor Pastor Bernard White of Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Greenwood County for his forty years of Gospel ministry at Mt. Zion, congratulate him on the occasion of his retirement, and wish him God's richest blessings as he continues to serve the Lord.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Pastor Bernard White.
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