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JOINING THE CONGREGATION OF REFUGE TEMPLE CHURCH OF COLUMBIA IN EXPRESSING GRATITUDE TO BISHOP WILLIAM L. BONNER ON THE OCCASION OF HIS EIGHTY-FIFTH BIRTHDAY FOR HIS LEADERSHIP AS PASTOR AND FOUNDER OF REFUGE TEMPLE CHURCH.
Whereas, Bishop William L. Bonner celebrated his eighty-fifth birthday on September 1, 2006, in the fellowship of his multitude of followers; and
Whereas, his adult years have been spent in the dedicated pursuit of religious and social accomplishment; and
Whereas, while serving for twenty-seven years as Presider and Chief Prelate of the Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the second largest predominantly African-American apostolic organization in the world, and later as founder and pastor of Refuge Temple Church, Bishop Bonner has provided spiritual leadership to more than five hundred pastors and churches throughout the world; and
Whereas, as the holder of a Doctorate of Divinity degree, he has distinguished himself in the arena of theological studies as the author of numerous spiritual and religious writings, as the founder of the fully accredited W.L. Bonner College in Columbia, and as an esteemed preacher from the pulpits of many national pastorates; and
Whereas, Bishop Bonner's gifts are not limited to the pulpit or to spiritual studies, but also include the talent of entrepreneurship as evidenced by his important role in changing the commercial, retail, and media landscapes in this nation; and
Whereas, to the State of South Carolina and the congregation of Refuge Temple Church, all these national and international distinctions pale compared to the distinguished part William L. Bonner has played in the spiritual lives of his flock in Columbia and the honored place he holds in their hearts; and
Whereas, it is fitting to pause on the occasion of his eighty-fifth birthday to honor him and thank him for his leadership in faith and in good works. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate:
That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, join the congregation of Refuge Temple Church of Columbia in expressing gratitude to Bishop William L. Bonner on the occasion of his eighty-fifth birthday for his leadership as pastor and founder of Refuge Temple Church.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Bishop William L. Bonner.
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