Download This Version in Microsoft Word format
TO RECOGNIZE AND PAY TRIBUTE TO THE SAINT ANDREWS AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH ON THE OCCASION OF ITS CHURCH DEDICATION AND TO COMMEND THE CHURCH FOR ITS DILIGENCE AND PERSEVERANCE IN THE FACE OF ADVERSITY.
Whereas, after a period of meeting in nearby halls and buildings to worship, the first sanctuary of Saint Andrews African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church was constructed in 1915 under the leadership of Reverend Van Brewington; and
Whereas, dedicated to serving others and sharing the word of the Lord, the church served as the only church in the immediate community and supported a large congregation; and
Whereas, understanding the need for larger facilities to serve its congregation, Reverend Brewington proposed the idea of a larger church and Reverend Rutledge oversaw the beginning of construction. In 1923, the church was completed under the guidance of Reverend J. C. Quarles; and
Whereas, after nearly thirty years of faithful growth and service to its community, the congregation of Saint Andrews AME once again required a new sanctuary as the structure of the original sanctuary had degraded over time. Under the watchful eye of Reverend Hughes, a new structure was completed to house the church and its good works in 1953; and
Whereas, as the years passed, interior improvements continued to be made to the church facilities for use by the community. In 1982, under the leadership of the creative and innovative Reverend Thomas L. Myers, a separate educational building was constructed to serve the growing needs of the community; and
Whereas, after 32 years of dedicated service to Saint Andrews AME Church as its pastor and beloved leader, Reverend Myers retired at the 2004 session of the Palmetto Annual Conference in Georgetown. At that same conference, Reverend Virgil Hammett was appointed Pastor. This began a new era in the life of St. Andrews and Reverend Hammett continued in the same spirit of love and dedication toward the members of the church; and
Whereas, the congregation of suffered a great setback in 2008 when it was discovered the structural integrity of the sanctuary was critically compromised and the sanctuary was condemned in December; and
Whereas, no stranger to hardship and adversity, the congregation of Saint Andrews AME, with the help of the Right Reverend Preston W. Williams, the Presiding Prelate of the Seventh Episcopal District AME Church, organized a fundraiser so that this financial obstacle, like all the others that had come before, could be overcome with perseverance and the help of the Lord; and
Whereas, though spirits were low at times and many hearts were heavy over the loss of the sanctuary that held so many cherished memories, the faithful work and service of the Saint Andrews congregation was justly rewarded when the new sanctuary was completed. On August 24, 2019, the congregation joyfully marched into their new house of worship singing "We're Marching to Zion" with the two oldest members of the church Ms. Corine R. Hudson and Mrs. Arnethia S. Means leading the way; and
Whereas, the mission of Saint Andrews continues to be its desire to study the Word, to spread the Word, to please God, and to satisfy the need of his people spiritually, physically, emotionally, and culturally, and the House of Representatives is pleased to recognize this church for its steadfast faith, dedication, and ability to overcome adversity. 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 pay tribute to the Saint Andrews African Methodist Episcopal Church on the occasion of its church dedication and to commend the church for its diligence and perseverance in the face of adversity.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Saint Andrews African Methodist Episcopal Church.
This web page was last updated on May 12, 2020 at 4:47 PM