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TO CONGRATULATE THE PASTORAL STAFF AND THE CONGREGATION OF MILLWAY BAPTIST CHURCH FOR MORE THAN TWO HUNDRED YEARS OF MINISTRY TO THE COMMUNITY AND TO CELEBRATE WITH THEM UPON THE CHURCH'S TWO HUNDRED ELEVENTH ANNIVERSARY.
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives are pleased to learn that Millway Baptist Church in Bradley will celebrate the church's two hundred eleventh anniversary on Sunday, October 16, 2022; and
Whereas, Reverend Rodney Currie, assistant pastor, will be the speaker for the event which has a theme of Walking in Unity; and
Whereas, the church was organized in 1811 in a brush harbor on Cedar Grove Road in the Bradley Community. When Lela Puckett and J. D. Puckett donated land for the church to build a sanctuary, William Wideman; Henry Wright; William Thomas, Jr.; Henry Parker; and Lewis Devlin signed the deed; and
Whereas, in 1912, the old sanctuary was built on the property, and the early pastors included Reverend Sap, Reverend Elmore, and Reverend Walker; and
Whereas, in 1936, Reverend L. B. Boozer became the pastor, and he served the congregation faithfully for thirty-two years. Reverend Ivory Goodwin followed him in 1968, Reverend James Kaye in 1969, and Reverend Bernard White in 1976. Under Reverend White's leadership, the congregation moved from the original sanctuary to its current sanctuary; new pews were purchased and trustees were elected; and
Whereas, Reverend Wilbur Jones became Millway's pastor in 1981 and was followed by Reverend Augustus Washington in 1984. In 1987, Reverend Bennie Griffin became pastor and served for thirteen years. During his ministry, a social hall was purchased, and carpet, chandeliers, a new piano, new roofing, and gravel for the yard were added. He began a Bible study and formed the Mass Choir; and
Whereas, since 2000, Pastor Lonnie Jones has served the congregation as pastor, and in that first year, he licensed Sister Sophia Griffin to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In 2011, he licensed Minister Rodney Currie as a son of the house; and
Whereas, Pastor Jones has helped the church to purchase a van, new windows, a carport, insulation for the church, and a church sign. He developed the plans for the building of a new social hall and a baptismal pool. He led the congregation to purchase a church bus, new church furnishings, and carpet; to restore the vestibule; and to pave the parking lot; and
Whereas, in his busy schedule, Pastor Jones has found the time to begin a Bible study and to initiate the formation of a male chorus, Helping Hands Ministry, Deacons' Wards, and New Members and New Converts classes, and Inspirational Choir and Singing Sensations, which combined as the Inspirational Choir; and
Whereas, recently Pastor Jones ordained Reverend Rodney Currie, who now serves as Millway's assistant pastor, and the following ministries were implemented: Women on the Move with Divine Purpose; a young women's group called Jesus Empowered Women Eager to Learn and Serve, or J.E.W.E.L.S.; a men's ministry called Kingdom Men; a children's ministry; Millway Praise Team; and Divine Angels; and
Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives is grateful for the enduring legacy of the congregation and pastoral staff of Millway Baptist Church in ministering for their God for more than two centuries, and the members wish them many more years of growth and praising God together. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, congratulate the pastoral staff and the congregation of Millway Baptist Church for more than two hundred years of ministry to the community and celebrate with them upon the church's two hundred eleventh anniversary.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Pastor Lonnie Jones.
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