H*3961 Concurrent Resolution, By Allen
 A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO EXTEND THE CONGRATULATIONS OF THE MEMBERS OF THE
 SOUTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO DR. RONALD D. BARTON OF GREENVILLE ON THE
 OCCASION OF CELEBRATING THIRTEEN YEARS OF MINISTERING AT SHADY OAK BAPTIST
 CHURCH ON MARCH 16, 2003.

   04/09/03  House  Introduced, adopted, sent to Senate HJ-20
   04/09/03  Senate Introduced, adopted, returned with concurrence SJ-22

TO EXTEND THE CONGRATULATIONS OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO DR. RONALD D. BARTON OF GREENVILLE ON THE OCCASION OF CELEBRATING THIRTEEN YEARS OF MINISTERING AT SHADY OAK BAPTIST CHURCH ON MARCH 16, 2003.

Whereas, church ministers are devoted, highly respected individuals who not only care deeply about the people of their congregations but also the people of this nation and world; and

Whereas, it is appropriate to recognize the invaluable work of preachers in teaching religion and promoting peace among all people; and

Whereas, Dr. Ronald D. Barton of Greenville is one of the most dedicated and selfless men of his community and is held in high regard by those who know him; and

Whereas, he was born in Greenville to Mr. and Mrs. Willis F. Barton and was the youngest of seven children; and

Whereas, after graduating from high school, he attended Morris College in Sumter and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Studies and a Bachelor of Divinity degree, later receiving his Doctor of Divinity from Morris College and studying further at Howard University School of Divinity; and

Whereas, Dr. Barton chose his career at the age of fifteen and began preaching and was licensed at Shady Oak Baptist Church in Greenville; and

Whereas, he served as the pastor at Central Baptist Church of Columbia for seven years and then returned to his home church of Shady Oak Baptist; and

Whereas, on March 16, 2003, the congregation of Shady Oak Baptist Church celebrated thirteen years of leadership and service of their devoted pastor, Dr. Ronald D. Barton; and

Whereas, under his guidance the church membership has grown to approximately one thousand in number and several new ministries have developed, including a television show named "Building Your Life Through the Word"; and

Whereas, one of his thrilling messages has been published in "Outstanding Black Sermons, Volume 4" by Judson Press; and

Whereas, Dr. Barton holds positions on numerous boards and committees allowing him to have influence over Christian education and outreach programs including being a member of the Reedy River Baptist Association, Dean of Reedy River Congress of Christian Education, a member of the Baptist Educational and Missionary Convention of South Carolina, a member of the Baptist Ministers Fellowship of Greenville and Vicinity, a member of the Board of Evangelism of the Progressive National Baptist Convention, Incorporated, and a member of the nominating committee of Hampton University's Ministers' Conference; and

Whereas, preaching across the United States and internationally, Dr. Barton has been able to reach a great number of individuals through both his sermons and his musical talents. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:

That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, extend their congratulations to Dr. Ronald D. Barton of Greenville on the occasion of celebrating thirteen years of ministering at Shady Oak Baptist Church on March 16, 2003.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Dr. Ronald D. Barton of Greenville and the members of the Shady Oak Baptist Church of Greenville.