H*4337 Resolution, By McEachern
 A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND CONGRATULATE ROUND TOP BAPTIST CHURCH OF
 BLYTHEWOOD ON THE OCCASION OF ITS HISTORIC ONE HUNDRED FORTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY
 AND TO COMMEND THE CHURCH FOR NEARLY A CENTURY AND A HALF OF SERVICE TO GOD
 AND THE COMMUNITY.

   06/06/17  House  Introduced and adopted

TO RECOGNIZE AND CONGRATULATE ROUND TOP BAPTIST CHURCH OF BLYTHEWOOD ON THE OCCASION OF ITS HISTORIC ONE HUNDRED FORTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY AND TO COMMEND THE CHURCH FOR NEARLY A CENTURY AND A HALF OF SERVICE TO GOD AND THE COMMUNITY.

Whereas, having been founded in 1872, Round Top Baptist Church of Blythewood is celebrating its historic one hundred forty-fifth anniversary in 2017; and

Whereas, one hundred forty-five years ago, Round Top Baptist Church had its humble beginning when John Lawhorn and Isaac Harmon left Shady Grove A.M.E. Church to worship under a bush arbor's big round oak tree. Pastored by the Reverend Lew Davis, the fledgling congregation received the gift of an acre of land from Estelle Canty. Two years later in 1874, Sandy Thomas and others built the first church structure. As the men worked to erect the building, Margaret Stevens, Anna Harmon, Linda Lorick, and Anna Peterson provided meals for them. After completion, the church was named Round Top Baptist Church, after the "big round oak" under which the church had held its earliest services. During this time, the Reverend Ben Jacobs was installed as pastor. The tenure of the first two pastors of the church is unknown; and

Whereas, sixty-six years and fourteen pastors later, the second structure was erected on this same site. This structure was completed in 1950 and was celebrated during the church's inaugural worship service there. Round Top Baptist worked hard to make improvements, such as acquiring pulpit furniture and pews and installing restrooms with running water. On May 24, 1959, the church celebrated the completion of the improvements with a dedication service; and

Whereas, as the Lord continued to bless Round Top Baptist, the church continued to grow in spirit, strength, wisdom, and love. In 1963, the church's educational building was constructed after many years of hard work. In 1976, an additional two acres of land were purchased to extend the cemetery. In January 1984, the educational facility was dedicated; and

Whereas, under the leadership of the Reverend Willie J. Davis, installed in 1986, the church continued to grow in spirit and knowledge and advanced from two Sunday worship services per month to weekly worship services. Reverend Davis vigorously worked with the church youth, and many young souls gave their lives to Christ and actively participated in the life of the church; and

Whereas, June 2004 saw the church welcoming a new pastor, the Reverend Fleming O. McClinton, also the church's present pastor. During his ministry, church membership has increased by a total of seventy-eight, and attendance has averaged one hundred ninety attendees per Sunday. In addition, Round Top now holds an eight o'clock worship service each Sunday morning. Current active ministries and auxiliaries include the Round Top Baptist Church Deacon Board, Trustee Board, Missionary Society, Ushers Ministry, Jubilee Choir, Musical Inspirational Choir, Youth Choir, Youth Department, Pulpit Aide Ministry, Women's Ministry, Program Committee, Social/Political Action Ministry, and Brotherhood Ministry; and

Whereas, Round Top Baptist Church has been a beacon of light and a community worship center in the Blythewood area for one hundred forty-five years, and, God willing, will continue its godly heritage for many more years of worship and service. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and congratulate Round Top Baptist Church of Blythewood on the occasion of its historic one hundred forty-fifth anniversary and commend the church for nearly a century and a half of service to God and the community.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Round Top Baptist Church.