H*4959 Concurrent Resolution, By Neilson
 A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO HONOR THE FAITHFUL CLERGY AND CONGREGANTS OF FIRST
 BAPTIST CHURCH OF DARLINGTON COUNTY FOR THEIR DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE GREATER
 COMMUNITY AND TO RECOGNIZE THE 175TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CHURCH ON APRIL 23,
 2006.

   04/06/06  House  Introduced, adopted, sent to Senate HJ-4
   04/06/06  Senate Introduced, adopted, returned with concurrence SJ-4

TO HONOR THE FAITHFUL CLERGY AND CONGREGANTS OF FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF DARLINGTON COUNTY FOR THEIR DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE GREATER COMMUNITY AND TO RECOGNIZE THE 175TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CHURCH ON APRIL 23, 2006.

Whereas, founded on April 23, 1831, as Darlington Baptist Church of Christ, First Baptist Church of Darlington celebrates a rich and fruitful history; and

Whereas, the church's first sanctuary was built in 1830, just before the church was formally organized. Though there have been many additions since its inception, First Baptist Church has always stood at the corner of South Main and West Broad Streets; and

Whereas, the church changed its name in 1912 to First Baptist Church and the present sanctuary was dedicated on December 8, 1912; and

Whereas, Reverend W. Q. Beattie served as the first minister, leading and inspiring his nine-member congregation. In its 175 years, the church has grown in membership to 575 and is currently led by Dr. Kenneth B. Sandifer; and

Whereas, educating and encouraging congregants to give of themselves in furtherance of the church and its mission, First Baptist Church has licensed or ordained more than twenty-one clergymen since 1831; and

Whereas, extensive renovation and building projects have caused the church to grow in stature. The educational building was built in 1924 and dedicated in loving tribute to Vance Hardin in 1992; a new Sunday School building was dedicated in 1956 and later named the Jones Building in appreciation of former pastor Reverend William S. Jones; and the Illy McFall Memorial Building and the E. S. Howle Fellowship Hall were dedicated in 1975 and 1983, respectively; and

Whereas, the establishment of this outstanding church in Darlington County has strengthened the surrounding community and provided spiritual leadership with its faithful adherence to achieving the work of God. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:

That the members of the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina, by this resolution, honor the congregants and clergy of First Baptist Church of Darlington County for their dedicated service to the greater community and recognize the 175th anniversary of the church on April 23, 2006.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Dr. Kenneth B. Sandifer.