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TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR REVEREND DR. BERNARD JOSEPH GADSDEN, SR., UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT AFTER THIRTY YEARS OF EXEMPLARY SERVICE AS PASTOR OF FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF JAMES ISLAND, AND TO WISH HIM CONTINUED SUCCESS AND HAPPINESS IN ALL HIS FUTURE ENDEAVORS.
Whereas, it is altogether fitting and proper that the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives should pause in their deliberations to express their gratitude to Reverend Dr. Bernard Joseph Gadsden, Sr., for his significant contributions to the spiritual well-being of the citizens of our State, most particularly those in the Lowcountry; and
Whereas, born in Bolton, Bernard Gadsden is the son of Mrs. Mae Gadsden and the late Reverend Jeronica Gadsden, and he graduated from Wallace High School in St. Andrews Parish in 1965; and
Whereas, he became an active member of New Hope Baptist Church in Red Top in 1964, where he served as a Sunday school teacher, Sunday school superintendent, choir member, assistant church secretary, chairman of the program committee, associate minister, and a member of the Pastor's Aide Board and the deacon board; and
Whereas, from 1969 to 1971, he served his country with distinction in the United States Army. He was ordained to preach in 1983 and was elected pastor of First Baptist Church of James Island in 1984; and
Whereas, Reverend Gadsden earned an associate's degree in general business and civil engineering from Trident Technical College, a bachelor's degree from Voorhees College in organizational management, and a master's degree in theology from Cummins Theological Memorial Seminary; and
Whereas, deeply concerned for his community, he is a member of the North Charleston branch of the NAACP, South Carolina Black Voters Participation, and the board of directors of James Island Outreach; and
Whereas, he serves his church association on the board of directors of Canaan Bible College in North Charleston and as treasurer and a member of the executive ministry of the Old Ashley Baptist Association. He also serves as vice chairman of the James Island Interfaith Action Committee; and
Whereas, among his numerous awards and honors from New Hope Baptist Church and First Baptist Church, he received an honorary doctor of humane letters from Canaan Bible College and a certificate of achievement from Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.; and
Whereas, together with his beloved wife, Georgetta Parker Gadsden of Red Top, he has reared a fine son, Bernard Joseph Gadsden, Jr.; and
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives appreciate the years of unparalleled dedication that Bernard Gadsden has devoted to the congregation at First Baptist Church of James Island and wish him many years of enjoyment in his well-earned retirement. 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 Reverend Dr. Bernard Joseph Gadsden, Sr., upon the occasion of his retirement after thirty years of exemplary service as pastor of First Baptist Church of James Island, and wish him continued success and happiness in all his future endeavors.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be provided to Reverend Dr. Bernard Joseph Gadsden, Sr.
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