S*0459 Resolution, By Matthews
 A SENATE RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE REVEREND WILLIE BATES, JR. ON THE
 CELEBRATION OF HIS THIRTY-EIGHTH YEAR AS PASTOR OF ANTIOCH BAPTIST CHURCH IN
 BOWMAN, SOUTH CAROLINA, AND TO WISH HIM MUCH SUCCESS IN THE FUTURE

   02/24/09  Senate Introduced and adopted SJ-5

TO CONGRATULATE REVEREND WILLIE BATES, JR. ON THE CELEBRATION OF HIS THIRTY-EIGHTH YEAR AS PASTOR OF ANTIOCH BAPTIST CHURCH IN BOWMAN, SOUTH CAROLINA, AND TO WISH HIM MUCH SUCCESS IN THE FUTURE

Whereas, Mr. Bates was the oldest of nine children born to Reverend Willie Bates, Sr. and Elizabeth Picketts Bates, and like his father, answered the call of pastorship; and

Whereas, Reverend Bates became pastor of Antioch Baptist Church in 1971 and brought a renewed energy and sense of worship and service to the congregation; and

Whereas, Reverend Bates was instrumental in Antioch Baptist Church becoming active in community affairs with his challenge to his parishioners, "You come to worship and you leave to serve"; and

Whereas, through Reverend Bates's belief that the church's doors "hang on welcome hinges," Antioch Baptist Church became a central meeting place for the NAACP and concerned community members; and

Whereas, Reverend Bates led his congregation in advocating change in the leadership of Orangeburg School District Two; and

Whereas, Reverend Bates has continued to allow Antioch Baptist Church to serve as a meeting place for those looking to make forward strides in equality and justice in all areas of life; and

Whereas, Reverend Bates has used his service to God to serve his community, making Antioch Baptist Church a flourishing religious home, as well as a catalyst for social change; and

Whereas, Reverend Bates firmly believes "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" and as a community leader he follows the motto "I will do all I can while I can for the Master." Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate:

That the members of the Senate, by this resolution, congratulate Reverend Willie Bates, Jr. on his thirty-eighth year as pastor of Antioch Baptist Church in Bowman, South Carolina, and wish him much success in the future.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Reverend Willie Bates, Jr.