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TO HONOR THE REVEREND GEORGE MELVIN RISER OF SIMPSONVILLE FOR HIS MORE THAN FORTY YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCHES OF SOUTH CAROLINA AND HIS COMMUNITY AND TO WISH HIM MUCH CONTINUED BLESSING AND FULFILLMENT IN THE DAYS AHEAD.
Whereas, it is with much pleasure that the South Carolina House of Representatives recognizes those individuals who give tirelessly of themselves to the welfare of this great state's citizenry. Having spent his life serving others, the Reverend George Melvin Riser of Simpsonville exemplifies such South Carolinians; and
Whereas, born on November 29, 1943, George Melvin Riser completed his early education and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts from Wofford College (1965) and a Bachelor of Divinity from Candler School of Theology at Emory University (1969); and
Whereas, having thus prepared himself for his life's work and becoming an ordained elder in 1970, he embarked upon his ministry as a pastor, completing more than forty years of active service in United Methodist churches across South Carolina. He used his gifts in ministry to improve the financial positions of the churches he pastored; he brought these same gifts to bear in completing successful building campaigns, starting new ministries, and empowering volunteers. He even pioneered the use of computers in church. Beyond the doors of his own church, Reverend Riser served on district and conference committees and volunteered locally in the communities in which he has lived; and
Whereas, during his four decades of Christian ministry, George Melvin Riser served as pastor of these congregations between 1968 and 2008: Mt. Pleasant UMC (Pomaria), Pinopolis UMC, Philadelphia UMC (Fort Mill), Herbert Memorial UMC (Georgetown), Brookland UMC (West Columbia), Mt. Hebron UMC (West Columbia), Union UMC (Irmo), St. Paul UMC (Spartanburg), Simpsonville UMC, and Covenant UMC (Greer). In retirement, he also served St. Mark UMC (Greenville); and
Whereas, in 2006, in recognition of his committed service, Reverend Riser was honored by Covenant UMC (Greer) for forty years of active ministry. He retired from the ministry in 2007; and
Whereas, today, Reverend Riser delights in woodworking, golf, and gardening, as well as his family: his lovely wife of nearly twenty-four years, Wallis Elizabeth Walker Riser; and their four adult children, Reginald Riser, Kimberly Riser, Jeremy Walker, and Emily Walker; and
Whereas, the members of the House of Representatives recognize that the success of the State of South Carolina, the strength of its communities, and the vitality of American society as a whole depend, in great measure, upon the dedication of individuals like George Melvin Riser who use their talents and resources to serve others. Gratefully, the House acknowledges Reverend Riser's invaluable and far-reaching contributions to the betterment of the Palmetto State. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, honor the Reverend George Melvin Riser of Simpsonville for his more than forty years of dedicated service to the United Methodist churches of South Carolina and his community and wish him much continued blessing and fulfillment in the days ahead.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the Reverend George Melvin Riser.
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