A senate RESOLUTION

 

TO RECOGNIZE AND CONGRATULATE GOLD HILL AME ZION CHURCH OF LANCASTER ON THE OCCASION OF ITS HISTORIC ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY AND TO COMMEND THE CHURCH FOR A CENTURY AND A QUARTER OF SERVICE TO GOD AND THE COMMUNITY.

 

Whereas, having been founded in 1898, Gold Hill AME Zion Church of Lancaster marked its historic one hundred twenty-fifth anniversary in 2023 with a special celebratory service on Sunday, October 1; and

 

Whereas, presently led by its thirtieth pastor, the Reverend Linda W. Hill, the church also is blessed by the service of its presiding elder, the Reverend Dr. Robert E. Christian, and its presiding prelate, Bishop Kenneth Monroe. Further, Gold Hill AME Zion Church is a part of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. It is located in the Lancaster District, Pee Dee Conference of the South Atlantic Episcopal District; and

 

Whereas, during the year of the church's establishment, the deed and title to the church were filed on April 8 and issued to Harvey O'Leary and the trustees of Gold Hill by John F. Black of New York, New York; and

 

Whereas, the first church unfortunately burned in 1900. The second church, constructed from 1901 to 1902, also was destroyed, and the church lost all records dating from 1901 to 1937, including births, deaths, marriages, and financial records. The third church structure, built in 1937, is used by the current congregation; and

 

Whereas, in serving the communities of Van Wyck and Indian Land, the congregation at Gold Hill carries out numerous ministries, including feeding the needy, sponsoring an active senior citizens ministry, and providing school supplies for students. The church also conducts missionary work for AME Zion colleges and missions in Africa and South Korea; and

 

Whereas, Gold Hill's diverse congregation is filled with teachers, officers in the U.S. armed services, nurses, and administrative personnel. The church also is proud to serve the Van Wyck community as a voting site; and

 

Whereas, by God's grace, Gold Hill AME Zion's congregation, having weathered the storms and triumphantly celebrated the victories the years have brought, continues to pass on a rich heritage of faith; and

 

Whereas, standing on the faith and strength of its early pastors and congregations, Gold Hill's present members "press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:14), preaching and teaching the Word of God; and

 

Whereas, Gold Hill AME Zion Church has been a beacon of light and a community worship center in the Van Wyck and Indian Land area for one hundred twenty-five years, and, God willing, will continue its godly heritage for many more years of worship and service. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the Senate:

 

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, recognize and congratulate Gold Hill AME Zion Church of Lancaster on the occasion of its historic one hundred twenty-fifth anniversary and commend it for a century and a quarter of service to God and the community.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Gold Hill AME Zion Church.

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