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TO HONOR THE REVEREND DR. JOHN H. ELLIOTT OF ORANGEBURG COUNTY, PASTOR OF ST. GEORGE PARISH OF THE WALTERBORO DISTRICT OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA CONFERENCE OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, FOR HIS FORTY-FOUR YEARS OF GOSPEL MINISTRY, TO THANK HIM FOR HIS MINISTRY AND COMMUNITY SERVICE, AND TO WISH HIM GOD'S RICHEST BLESSINGS AS HE CONTINUES TO SERVE THE LORD.
Whereas, it is with great pleasure that the South Carolina Senate honors those individuals who give tirelessly of themselves to succor the souls of men; and
Whereas, the Reverend Dr. John H. Elliott of Orangeburg 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 on December 24, 1944, in Rowesville, John Elliott received his early education in South Carolina, Colorado, and New York schools. In preparation for his long career, he earned bachelor's degrees at Claflin University in Orangeburg and the Interdenominational Theological Center Seminary in Atlanta, Georgia; a master of divinity at Emory University's Candler School of Theology, also in Atlanta; a doctor of divinity at Teamer School of Theology in Charlotte, North Carolina; and a doctor of divine metaphysics at the New York School of Theology; and
Whereas, in a ministry spanning forty-four years, Dr. Elliott pastored in Cottageville, Laurens, Greenwood, McCormick, Seneca, Walhalla, Westminster, Columbia, Rock Hill, and, for the past twenty-four years, at St. George Parish, which consists of Shady Grove, St. Mark, and Trinity United Methodist Churches; and
Whereas, believing strongly in active community involvement, Dr. Elliott is a member of numerous organizations, among them the Upper Dorchester County Civic League, Dorchester County Planning Board, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, and St. George Ministerial Alliance; and
Whereas, he has also served on many boards and agencies in the South Carolina United Methodist Conference, including those governing higher education and campus ministry, pastoral care and counseling, camps and retreats, and worship; and
Whereas, Dr. Elliott is the former chairman and co-founder, along with South Carolina Senator John W. Matthews, Jr., of the Shady Grove Lower Orangeburg-Upper Dorchester Counties Initiative, which serves and helps those left behind or displaced by the economy, lack of education, or some other misfortune. The initiative offers short-term classes in nursing-assistant certification, truck driving, small business entrepreneurship, preemployment manufacturing, and leadership training and has trained and found jobs for several hundred individuals in Orangeburg and Dorchester counties over the past eight years; and
Whereas, in recognition of selfless service, Dr. Elliott and the Shady Grove Lower Orangeburg-Upper Dorchester Counties Initiative received the 2009 Palmetto Partnership Award at the South Carolina Rural Summit. Dr. Elliott has also been presented with the NAACP Distinguished Service Award and the Living League Award; and
Whereas, John Elliott, a dedicated family man, is also the proud husband of Willa Dean Franklin Elliott and supportive father of two children, Reginald and Wanda; and
Whereas, noted as a humble, courageous man of Christian character, one of whom it truly may be said, "Well done, good and faithful servant," the Reverend Dr. John H. Elliott has demonstrated to others how to be "steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord"; and
Whereas, the Senate, cognizant of his many years of spiritual nourishment of the people of South Carolina, wishes to express its deepest appreciation to Dr. Elliott 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, honor the Reverend Dr. John H. Elliott of Orangeburg, pastor of St. George Parish, for his forty-four years of Gospel ministry, thank him for his ministry and community service, 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 provided to the Reverend Dr. John H. Elliott.
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