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TO HONOR AND CELEBRATE WITH FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF MARLBORO COUNTY ON THE OCCASION OF THEIR ONE HUNDRED EIGHTY-FIFTH YEAR OF MINISTRY ON APRIL 26, 2019, AND TO WISH THEM MANY MORE SUCCESSFUL YEARS SPREADING THE WORD OF GOD.
Whereas, on June 21, 1834, Colonel William J. Cook donated one and a half acres of land for the building of a church in Bennettsville. The church erected on the site was a plain rectangular building without a steeple, portico, or other architectural adornments. Two doors opened from the street and led directly into the sanctuary of the church; and
Whereas, in 1871, the decision was made to build a new church, and on May 2, 1872, Bishop Pierce held a dedication of the new building and furnishings. Major B. D. Townsend donated an organ in that same year to add to the musical worship; and
Whereas, First United Methodist Church had been a part of the Bennettsville Circuit, but in 1883, it was made a station church by the South Carolina Conference; and
Whereas, in 1885, a parsonage was built on the corner of Main and Everett streets. This house was used until 1939 when it became necessary to update the reverend's accommodations; and
Whereas, as the years passed, the congregation grew, necessitating the building of a larger church. Under the leadership of Joseph L. Breeden, the new house of worship was built over three years, culminating in its dedication on December 11, 1904, by Bishop A. Coke Smith; and
Whereas, by 1925, the church's membership had increased, outgrowing the space for the church's school. A three-story building was erected to fit the church's needs; and
Whereas, First United Methodist Church continued to see improvements and renovations, including the addition of a multi-purpose two-story building adjoining the main building with a covered walkway in 1976; and
Whereas, on April 26, 2019, First United Methodist Church celebrated its one hundred eighty-fifth anniversary of serving the Bennettsville community; and
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives are grateful for the legacy of love and worship of God's glory to which the First United Methodist Church and its congregation have committed. Under the leadership of Reverend Dr. Mark Johnston, the members look forward to hearing of the continuation of this legacy. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, honor and celebrate with First United Methodist Church of Marlboro County on the occasion of their one hundred eighty-fifth year of ministry on April 26, 2019, and wish them many more successful years spreading the Word of God.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to First United Methodist Church.
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