A house RESOLUTION

 

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR REVEREND KEN DILL, CHAPLAIN EMERITUS FOR SOUTHERN WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY, AND TO CONGRATULATE HIM AS HE RETIRES AFTER DECADES OF FAITHFUL SERVICE TO HIS COMMUNITY.

 

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives has learned that Reverend Ken Dill is retiring after dedicated and meaningful service spanning five decades, the last 33 years of which have been as the chaplain of Southern Wesleyan University (SWU); and

 

Whereas, after earning a bachelor's degree from SWU in 1981, he completed seminary at Emory University in 1984, laying a foundation for his lifelong journey in spiritual leadership. During his student years, he served as the youth pastor at Central First Wesleyan and later as an assistant pastor at Decatur Wesleyan Church from 1981 to 1984. Prior to joining the SWU family, he held pastoral roles at Emmanuel Wesleyan in North Carolina from 1984 to 1989, and from 1989 to 1990, he served as the children and young adult pastor in Kannapolis, during which time he coached youth sports; and

 

Whereas, for 33 years, Reverend Dill served as the chaplain for SWU, reshaping the chapel program from four short services each week to longer services on two days, which increased student attendance and participation. During his tenure, chapel sermons transitioned from being recorded on cassette tapes to live streaming, thereby reaching audiences in 92 countries via YouTube. Moreover, under his leadership, SWU's Spiritual Life Department thrived. He coordinated the construction of the Newton Hobson Chapel and Fine Arts building, initiated the University Singers program, developed a structured discipleship program, helped create the Missionary in Residence Program, and expanded the student chaplain program to include "lifeguards" in all student housing. He also introduced two enduring traditions at SWU: passing the Mantle for new students and the Servant's Towel for graduates; and

 

Whereas, by the numbers, Reverend Dill has participated in 162 graduations, authored five academic courses, led students on 55 trips, served 6,000 pancakes at the student late-night breakfast, directed the SWU musical Annie and contributed to various other musical productions, planned and attended 2,630 chapels, provided steadfast support during 15 instances of community mourning, and in the past decade alone celebrated over 1,000 student conversions and witnessed the baptism of more than 100 students.  Upon his retirement, he was given the title, University Chaplain, Emeritus; and

 

Whereas, he has written countless devotions for "Light from the Word" and co-authored a significant chapter on "Land and Water Conservation" with Dr. Rocky Nation for Care of Creation. He also served as a summary court judge for the Town of Central and as a member of the Central Town Council since 2010. Together with his wife, Jane, he is the proud parent of two children, Emily and Palmer, and four grandchildren. In all his life's work, he has touched countless lives, inspiring others through education, leadership, and community engagement; and

 

Whereas, the House of Representatives appreciates the life and service of Ken Dill, a testament to his unwavering faith, dedication to ministry, and commitment to community service, and the members wish him much enjoyment as he begins his well-deserved retirement. 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 honor Reverend Ken Dill, Chaplain Emeritus for Southern Wesleyan University, and congratulate him as he retires after decades of faithful service to his community.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Reverend Ken Dill.

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