A senate RESOLUTION

TO COMMEND SAINT PAUL MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH OF WINNSBORO FOR A CENTURY AND A HALF OF SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY AND TO EXTEND WARMEST CONGRATULATIONS ON THE OCCASION OF THE CHURCH'S HISTORIC ONE HUNDRED FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY.

Whereas, having been founded in 1873, Saint Paul Missionary Baptist Church of Winnsboro will celebrate its historic one hundred fiftieth anniversary in late November 2023; and

Whereas, Saint Paul is considered to be the first organized Baptist church for blacks in Winnsboro. In a little schoolhouse standing in Presbyterian Woods, founders Simon McIntosh, Henry Golden, Lily Yarborough, Frances Kelly, Lizzie Hart, and others gathered to launch the fledgling congregation; and

Whereas, shortly thereafter, the small band of members relocated to a little house owned by Henry Golden and installed their first pastor, the Reverend Daniel Golden. Known throughout the area as the "Baptist War Horse," Reverend Golden faithfully pursued his calling under the motto "One Lord, One Faith, and One Baptism," serving God with Saint Paul Missionary Baptist Church for eighteen years. The first church structure was erected during his pastorate in 1876 on Cemetery Street; and

Whereas, during the Reverend J.C. Jackson's ministry as Saint Paul's pastor, the present "church house" was built in 1893. The wooden frame structure was considered the largest church facility for blacks in Winnsboro at that time and boasted a quality bell imported by boat from England; and

Whereas, under the leadership of a number of godly pastors, the church continued to make significant improvements over the years. During the Reverend C.L. McMillian's pastorate, twenty years of renovation and building began, the highlight of which was the complete upgrading and modernization of the sanctuary. As a reminder of the church's honored past, the original pews, now augmented by cushioned seats and back rests, were retained. Later, the church constructed its Christian Fellowship Center, purchased a twenty-five passenger bus, acquired several properties in the community, applied for and received a State historical marker, and completed major upgrades to the sanctuary's interior under the leadership of its present pastor, the Reverend Terry Corbin; and

Whereas, to the local citizenry, Saint Paul long has been known for its courageous stance on issues facing the church and community, as during the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s; and

Whereas, with the theme "The Goodness of the Lord - Thankful for the past, Embracing the present, Looking toward the future," and Psalm 90:4 as the theme text inspiring all events, a four-day celebration of Saint Paul's one hundred fiftieth anniversary began on November 16, 2023, with a memorial service. A banquet took place on November 17, followed by a prayer breakfast and thanksgiving sing out on November 18. Activities culminated with Sunday service on November 19; and

Whereas, standing on the faith and strength of its pastors and members, Saint Paul's present congregation "presses toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:14), continuing to proclaim the Word of God; and

Whereas, Saint Paul Missionary Baptist Church has been a beacon of light in Winnsboro for one hundred fifty years, and, God willing, will continue its godly heritage in many more years of worship and service. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate:

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, commend Saint Paul Missionary Baptist Church of Winnsboro for a century and a half of service to the community and extend warmest congratulations on the occasion of the church's historic one hundred fiftieth anniversary.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be provided to Reverend Terry O. Corbin Pastor, MDiv, for Saint Paul Missionary Baptist Church.

----XX----