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TO RECOGNIZE AND CONGRATULATE MT. CALVARY FIRE BAPTIZED HOLINESS CHURCH OF MANNING ON THE OCCASION OF ITS HISTORIC ONE HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY AND TO COMMEND THE CHURCH FOR A CENTURY OF SERVICE TO GOD AND THE COMMUNITY.
Whereas, founded in 1914, Mt. Calvary Fire Baptized Holiness Church traces its history back to the early twentieth century. The 1935 WPA Survey of Church Archives shows Mt. Calvary recorded as the Colored Fire Baptized Holiness Church of God of the Americas of Manning, South Carolina. The survey further reports that eight members, under the leadership of Reverend P.G. Gladden, organized the church and in its founding year erected a square frame building, where services were held. This building was located on "Factory Hill," presently known as Mill Street and now home to Clarendon Memorial Hospital; and
Whereas, after holding services in this area for several years, Mt. Calvary had to move outside the city limits because Manning town officials said the church was making too much noise; and
Whereas, it is not clear when Mt. Calvary moved to its present site, nor is it certain who named the church or when the correct name, Mt. Calvary Fire Baptized Holiness Church, was first used. However, according to Clarendon County Courthouse records, in April 1920 the Reverend F. Montgomery (pastor), Brother Jeff Coklin, Brother William Govan, and Brother Winston Servance, trustees of the church, purchased the lot where the present church building is located. At that time, the congregation was listed as the Colored Fire Baptized Holiness Baptist Church of Manning; and
Whereas, the church burned in 1926 during the ministry of Reverend Bowens. The WPA survey testifies that it was rebuilt and dedicated in 1928. Valued at five hundred dollars, the new church measured twenty-four by forty and featured recessed doors (tower over doors), rough benches, and had a capacity of two hundred; and
Whereas, on Sunday, August 17, 2014, the grateful congregation of Mt. Calvary Fire Baptized Holiness Church held a special commemorative service to celebrate God's faithfulness to the church, both spiritually and materially, over a century of worship and ministry; and
Whereas, standing on the faith and strength of its early pastors and members, Mt. Calvary's present congregation "presses toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:14), continuing to preach and teach the Word of God; and
Whereas, Mt. Calvary Fire Baptized Holiness Church has been a beacon of light in the Manning area for one hundred years, and, God willing, will continue its godly heritage in many more years of worship and service. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate:
That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, recognize and congratulate Mt. Calvary Fire Baptized Holiness Church of Manning on the occasion of its historic one hundredth anniversary and commend the church for a century of service to God and the community.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be provided to Rev. Dr. Cornelius Alexander, Sr., Pastor, on behalf of the congregation of Mt. Calvary Fire Baptized Holiness Church.
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