S*0514 Resolution, By Nicholson
 A SENATE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR LONG CANE AFRICAN METHODIST
 EPISCOPAL (AME) CHURCH OF ABBEVILLE AND TO CELEBRATE WITH THE PASTOR AND
 MEMBERS THEIR FAITHFUL SERVICE AS A CONGREGATION TO THEIR COMMUNITY FOR ONE
 HUNDRED FIFTY YEARS.

   03/07/17  Senate Introduced and adopted (Senate Journal-page 7)

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR LONG CANE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL (AME) CHURCH OF ABBEVILLE AND TO CELEBRATE WITH THE PASTOR AND MEMBERS THEIR FAITHFUL SERVICE AS A CONGREGATION TO THEIR COMMUNITY FOR ONE HUNDRED FIFTY YEARS.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate celebrate the century and a half during which Long Cane African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church has served God and man; and

Whereas, organized in 1867, Long Cane AME Church held services in a brush arbor nearly ten years before erecting its first sanctuary used 1877 to1885, a frame building only forty feet by fifty feet with a gallery in the rear. The second structure, similar but ten feet longer and ten feet wider, was in use from 1885 to 1903; and

Whereas, in 1905, Philip Rosenberg and George Visanski deeded the church two acres on Long Cane Creek seven miles from Abbeville for fifty dollars, where the church built a new sanctuary. Church members hewed by hand the logs used to construct the edifice, which measured thirty-five by fifty-six feet and featured fourteen rectangular windows and a high narrow steeple; and

Whereas, the men of God who led the congregation during that time included Reverends Edgar Bibbs, C. B. Gillard, G. T. Shelton, Shaw, E. Williams, Nance, Lindsey, L. F. Vance, D. M. Wardsworth, Burgess, Simon Thomas, and R. H. Hampton; and

Whereas, in 1938, Long Cane AME Church joined with Cedar Grove AME to form the Cedar Grove Circuit, an association that lasted until 1962 when the church joined with Cypress Chapel; and

Whereas, in 1948, the estate of Mary Etta Harper deeded the church one acre of land for one hundred fifty dollars. Under the leadership of Reverend James Louden and Elder C. G. Glover, the structure from the old site where attendance had begun to dwindle was torn down and moved by trucks to the new triangular site nearer to the City of Abbeville where it was rebuilt; and

Whereas, once again attendance flourished under the succeeding pastors: Reverends J. S. Johnson, P. B. Burts, W. M. Dubose, M. Massey, and Spearman. Under the leadership of Reverend Massey, the church added a building that housed a pastoral study, a dining area, two classrooms, and two bathrooms; and

Whereas, in 1969, the church provided its first parsonage for Reverend James J. Robinson and his family, and Long Cane AME Church was made a station church; and

Whereas, Reverend Dr. R. A. Brown became pastor in 1971, followed by Reverend Henderson Louden, who directed additions of a fellowship hall, a brick exterior, and two bathrooms. He was followed by Reverend Harold Hunter and Reverend Efferson C. Bryant, during whose tenure the current parsonage was built; and

Whereas, the Reverends James Pope; William Utsey; Dr. James Stokes, Jr; Adrien R. Kollock, Sr.; and currently Dr. Julius Johnson followed. From the congregation, Reverends Wayman Coleman III, Phillip Washington, Willie Black, Annie M. Wims, Kenneth Aiken, and the late Emmanuel Coleman, as well as Sister Mary Louise Wright, have been licensed to preach; and

Whereas, in 1997 under the leadership of Reverend Kollock, the church prospered financially and spiritually, as well as through increased membership. The church's history was recorded that its posterity might understand the faith of those who have gone before and the foundation of Jesus Christ on which they built; and

Whereas, on November 20, 1999, the congregation broke ground for a new edifice, and less than a year later, the first church school service in the new family life center and the first worship service in the new sanctuary were held; and

Whereas, in order to meet needs in the community to provide for the hungry, the sick, and the shut-in, the congregation launched the Soup Kitchen in 1999, a project which has blessed many. During 2005-2006, the church initiated a Men's and Women's ministry, and the congregation stepped out on faith to launch a radio ministry; and

Whereas, the South Carolina Senate values the significant legacy of Long Cane AME Church, and the members congratulate the congregation on its sesquicentennial anniversary as it continues to minister for God's glory in the Palmetto State. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate:

That the members of the South Carolina Senate recognize and honor Long Cane African Methodist Episcopal Church of Abbeville and celebrate with the pastor and members their faithful service as a congregation to their community for one hundred fifty years.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the church pastor, Reverend Dr. Julius Johnson.