A house RESOLUTION

 

TO HONOR BISHOP WENDELL B. SUMTER OF ZION MILL CREEK BAPTIST CHURCH IN COLUMBIA ON THE OCCASION OF HIS THIRTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF GOSPEL MINISTRY AT ZION MILL CREEK AND TO EXTEND TO HIM BEST WISHES FOR GOD'S RICHEST BLESSINGS AS HE CONTINUES TO SERVE THE LORD.

 

Whereas, it is entirely appropriate to honor those individuals who give tirelessly of themselves to nurture the souls of men. Bishop Wendell B. Sumter of Zion Mill Creek Baptist Church in Columbia stands among their number as an outstanding minister of the gospel, one much admired by colleagues, congregations, and area residents at large; and

 

Whereas, born on February 9, 1968, Wendell B. Sumter hails from Columbia. He came from humble beginnings, playing on the dirt roads of Hopkins. His ministry began at an early age at Zion Benevolent Baptist Church in Hopkins, where he served as associate pastor for five years and was actively involved with the youth and music ministries. In 1990, Bishop Sumter was ordained to preach, and he has faithfully served as pastor of Zion Mill Creek Baptist Church since February 1993; and

 

Whereas, under the leadership of Bishop Sumter, the church has undergone growth in membership, property acquisitions, and ministries and has witnessed countless testimonies of faith. More importantly, lives have been rededicated to Christ, and several have become ministers of the gospel. Above all, the ministry has blossomed into an abundantly blessed and united family of believers who stand firmly on the promises of God; and

 

Whereas, Bishop Sumter has devoted his entire professional career to public education. In preparation for his career, he earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Morris College and a master's degree in education from the University of South Carolina. This veteran of more than twenty years' experience began in the classroom but, moving into administration, served for five years as an assistant principal at Lower Richland High School. He also furthered his career by taking on the role of principal at Great Falls Middle School and Great Falls Elementary School. As principal, he was able to take his faculty, staff, and students from good to great and from great to world-class achievers. His school was named a Microsoft Showcase School, South Carolina Title One Distinguished School for Progress, and National Title One Distinguished School. Currently, he serves as chief human resources officer for Chester County School District; and

 

Whereas, Bishop Sumter is a member of the Microsoft Education Advisory Board, a learning specialist with NCCE (Northwest Council of Computer Education), a Microsoft Innovative Educator Trainer, and a member of the American Association of School Personnel Administrators. This multigifted servant-leader is a pastor, motivational speaker, and faculty and staff morale booster; and

 

Whereas, because of his many years of spiritual nourishment of the people of South Carolina, Bishop Sumter is due grateful thanks and best wishes as he continues to run the race the Lord has set before him. Now, therefore,; and

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, honor Bishop Wendell B. Sumter of Zion Mill Creek Baptist Church in Columbia on the occasion of his thirtieth anniversary of gospel ministry at Zion Mill Creek and extend to him best wishes for 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 Wendell B. Sumter.

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