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S. 1258

STATUS INFORMATION

Senate Resolution
Sponsors: Senator Ford
Document Path: l:\council\bills\rm\1443ac12.docx
Companion/Similar bill(s): 4893

Introduced in the Senate on February 23, 2012
Adopted by the Senate on February 23, 2012

Summary: Bishop Preston Warren Williams II

HISTORY OF LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS

     Date      Body   Action Description with journal page number
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   2/23/2012  Senate  Introduced and adopted (Senate Journal-page 7)

View the latest legislative information at the LPITS web site

VERSIONS OF THIS BILL

2/23/2012

TO HONOR BISHOP PRESTON WARREN WILLIAMS II, 119TH CONSECRATED BISHOP OF THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, 7TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT (SOUTH CAROLINA), FOR HIS MANY YEARS OF LEADERSHIP WITH THE AME CHURCH, AND TO WISH HIM GOD'S RICHEST BLESSINGS AS HE CONTINUES TO SERVE THE LORD.

Whereas, it is with great pleasure that the South Carolina Senate honors those individuals who give tirelessly of themselves to nurture the souls of men; and

Whereas, Bishop Preston Warren Williams II, 119th consecrated bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, 7th Episcopal District (South Carolina), stands among their number as an outstanding minister of the Gospel, one much admired by clerical colleagues, laymen, and the wider community alike; and

Whereas, in preparation for the ministry, Bishop Williams earned a bachelor's degree from Southeastern University, his master of divinity from Turner Theological Seminary Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Georgia, and his doctorate at American University's Wesley Theological Seminary; and

Whereas, he is a gifted preacher, teacher, manager, and social activist, often sought after for the creative depth with which he interprets God's message for reconciliation of His people; and

Whereas, with education at the heart of his administration, Bishop Williams developed a theological education model for the 7th District that ensures educational opportunities are provided to all members of the AME Church at every level. With evangelism at the soul of his administration, Bishop Williams launched a plethora of ministries that lifted the spirits of the members of the 7th Episcopal District to new heights; and

Whereas, among other initiatives, he partnered the 7th District with the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice and created Teen After School Centers. He also helped produce the Eyes On The Child program, through which the 7th District provided mentors to at-risk youth in the South Carolina public school system; and

Whereas, from 2000 to 2004, Bishop Williams served as the presiding prelate of the 17th Episcopal District, which is comprised of central Africa. During his tenure, the membership of the 17th Episcopal District increased dramatically. At the time of his election to the episcopacy, Bishop Williams was serving as senior pastor of Allen Temple African Methodist Episcopal Church. In addition, he was pastor of St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church for sixteen years; and

Whereas, Bishop Williams served as the treasurer of the Sixth Episcopal District (Georgia) for eight years. He was the comptroller of finance while a member of Turner Theological Seminary Board, and under his leadership Turner Theological Seminary was able to build a $2 million student dormitory and administration office. For his dedicated service, he was chosen as the State of Georgia Distinguished Churchman; and

Whereas, a champion of social and political action, economic empowerment, and business development, he is a member of the NAACP and Democratic Party and served on President Jimmy Carter's Inaugural Committee and Transitional Team; and

Whereas, Preston Warren Williams considers it one of the greatest triumphs of his life that he was able to persuade the former Wilma Delores Webb to become his wife. They are the proud parents of four children, Arnold, twins Wilma and Stella, and Prestina; and

Whereas, noted as a humble, courageous man of Christian character, one of whom it truly may be said, "Well done, good and faithful servant," Bishop Williams has demonstrated to others how to be "steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord"; and

Whereas, the Senate, cognizant of his many years of spiritual nourishment of the people of South Carolina, expresses its grateful thanks to Bishop Williams and wishes him God's best as he continues to run the race the Lord has set before him. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate:

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, honor Bishop Preston Warren Williams II, 119th consecrated bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, 7th Episcopal District (South Carolina), for his many years of leadership with the AME Church, and wish him God's richest blessings as he continues to serve the Lord.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Bishop Preston Warren Williams II.

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