A senate RESOLUTION

TO CONGRATULATE REVEREND DR. AMOS O. HARLING, JR. UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS THIRTY-THIRD ANNIVERSARY AS MINISTER OF SAINT MARK MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH AND TO COMMEND HIM FOR HIS MANY YEARS OF SERVICE TO HIS CONGREGATION AND THE LEESVILLE COMMUNITY.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate are pleased to recognize the Reverend Dr. Amos O. Harling, Jr. upon the occasion of his thirty-third pastoral anniversary on March 12, 2023; and

Whereas, a native of Greenwood, Reverend Harling was born to parents Mr. and Mrs. Amos Harling, Sr. He attended Piedmont Technical College and later graduated from Morris College School of Religion (Laurens County Extension). He attended ITC, graduating in May 1996. He also attended the International Overcoming School of Religion, obtaining a Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies and later a Doctor of Ministry; and

Whereas, an entrepreneur in his own right, Reverend Harling is the co-owner of Aiken and Harling Builders; and

Whereas, in 1990, he was called to pastor at Saint Mark Missionary Baptist Church and has allowed the Lord to guide him every step of the way. Because of his obedience to the will of God, he has been and is still being blessed continuously. A radio ministry established shortly after his arrival has seen constant growth. The weekly radio broadcast reaches about sixty percent of the State. Recordings of the services are requested from all over the East Coast; and

Whereas, under Reverend Harling's leadership, hundreds of people have accepted Christ as their personal savior or have rededicated their lives to Christ. As the church has grown spiritually, eleven men and women have been called and elevated to a higher calling from God; and

Whereas, a civic leader, Reverend Harling serves as a member of the Advisory Board at Midlands Technical College in Batesburg-Leesville, a member of the Batesburg-Leesville Ministerial Alliance, and an Executive Board Member of the Baptist E&M Convention South Carolina. He also served as the past moderator of the Friendship Baptist Educational Association (FBEA), which is comprised of churches in Lexington and Saluda counties; and

Whereas, in grateful appreciation as the under shepherd of Saint Mark Missionary Baptist Church, the Reverend Dr. Harling, Jr. was honored for his spiritual leadership, dedication, and unfailing love to his church family and was acknowledged as the "Lifelong Pastor" on March 12, 2012; and

Whereas, Reverend Harling is married to the former Emma Parker and together, they have two daughters, Teresa and Kim; they act as the guardian of Rika; and they have five grandchildren, Jaylen, Tristan, Tytonna, Nylasia, and Kyzer Bentley; and

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate greatly appreciate the ministry of the Reverend Dr. Amos O. Harling, Jr. and his service to Saint Mark Missionary Baptist Church and the Leesville community. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate:

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, congratulate the Reverend Dr. Amos O. Harling, Jr. upon the occasion of his thirty-third anniversary as minister of Saint Mark Missionary Baptist Church and commend him for his many years of service to his congregation and the Leesville community.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the Reverend Dr. Amos O. Harling, Jr.

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