S 1287  Resolution, By Fanning
 A SENATE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND CONGRATULATE BETHEL UNITED METHODIST
 CHURCH OF CHESTER ON THE OCCASION OF ITS HISTORIC ONE HUNDRED EIGHTY-FIFTH
 ANNIVERSARY AND TO COMMEND THE CHURCH FOR ITS MANY YEARS OF SERVICE TO GOD AND
 THE COMMUNITY.

   04/26/22  Senate Introduced and adopted (Senate Journal-page 5)

TO RECOGNIZE AND CONGRATULATE BETHEL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF CHESTER ON THE OCCASION OF ITS HISTORIC ONE HUNDRED EIGHTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY AND TO COMMEND THE CHURCH FOR ITS MANY YEARS OF SERVICE TO GOD AND THE COMMUNITY.

Whereas, having been founded in 1837, Bethel United Methodist Church (UMC) of Chester is celebrating its historic one hundred eighty-fifth anniversary in 2022; and

Whereas, to mark its milestone one hundred eighty-fifth anniversary, the church set apart a special celebratory time on Sunday, April 24, 2022. The Reverend Will Brown, a former minister of the church, served as guest preacher for the day. Mrs. Nancy Anderson, who was raised at Bethel and worked with her mother, Mrs. Anne P. Collins, to write Wellsprings of Bethel (1989), also spoke at the eleven o'clock morning service. At the meal in the fellowship hall following the service, many historical documents were on display; and

Whereas, in further celebration, throughout 2022 various members have been scheduled to share "history moments" as a part of church services. On April 10, Mrs. Jane Carter spoke about the history of Bethel, outlining the development of Bethel UMC's various church buildings. On Sunday, September 18, everyone will enjoy a history night, during which members will view the 150th anniversary celebration and other historical artifacts. In addition, Bethel UMC is taking advantage of this celebratory year to begin work on updating family histories and its chronological church history, beginning with the year 1989. The church also is planning to create a pictorial directory in October to commemorate this special time; and

Whereas, according to the history of Methodism in Chester County, Bishop Francis Asbury traveled through Chester several times while establishing churches in the county. There is a bare record of a church being organized at the courthouse in 1818 by Mrs. Margaret Patterson; her daughters, Mary Ann Patterson, Jane Patterson, and Elizabeth Patterson; and Mrs. Priscilla Terry. It was not until later that land was conveyed to build a Methodist meetinghouse of wood in the town of Chester. The lot on York Street where the church now stands was secured on July 22, 1871. The current sanctuary was built in 1897 for $12,190; and

Whereas, over the years of its service to the Lord, Bethel UMC has established a long and rich history of serving the community and sending forth many ministers and foreign missionaries into the world to spread the gospel; and

Whereas, Bethel United Methodist Church has been a beacon of light and a community worship center in the Chester area for nearly two centuries, and, God willing, will continue its godly heritage for 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, recognize and congratulate Bethel United Methodist Church of Chester on the occasion of its historic one hundred eighty-fifth anniversary and commend the church for its many years of service to God and the community.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Bethel United Methodist Church.