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TO RECOGNIZE AND COMMEND ST MARY AME CHURCH OF PAWLEY'S ISLAND UPON THE OCCASION OF ITS FIFTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY.
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives are pleased to learn that St Mary AME Church will celebrate its fifty-fifth anniversary in 2015; and
Whereas, the members of St Mary AME church initially worshiped at St. John AME church before the church was blessed with the purchase of lot for the purpose of constructing a church building in response to increased membership under the leadership of Reverend T.D. McClam; and
Whereas, construction started on October 3, 1961, led by Tillman Thomas, the members laid brick by brick, hammered nail by nail, and painted wall by wall until the building was completed in 1964. On January 24, 1965, they rejoiced and celebrated their blessing through a dedication of the church; and
Whereas, after the death of Reverend McClam, the church was blessed with Reverend Benny L. Williams and the church continued to be blessed under his leadership until he was led to another church in 1983. The church continued to grow under the leadership of Reverend E. O. Simmons, Reverend Albert Smalls, Reverend Michael Frost, Reverend Thomas Habersham, and Reverend Elton Rutledge; and
Whereas, the church has a strong history of female leadership, beginning with the pastoral appointment of Reverend Geneva Wilson. She was followed by Reverend Janie Royal, who helped develop the young people's ministry in the church. Reverend Sandra Ladson was appointed after the death of Reverend Royal and played a critical role in helping to nurture the congregation through the healing process after the loss of a loved pastor; and
Whereas, in November 2014, Reverend Brian Swinton was appointed as Pastor of the St Mary AME church and shares his gifts of preaching, teaching, and singing with the congregation; and
Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives is pleased to recognize the noble history of meaningful spiritual ministry to the members of St. Mary AME Church. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and commend St Mary AME Church upon the occasion of its fifty-fifth anniversary.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be provided to Reverend Brian Swinton.
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