H*4031 Resolution, By Allen
 A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE LOWNDES HILL BAPTIST CHURCH OF GREENVILLE ON
 THE OCCASION OF ITS HISTORIC ONE HUNDRED FORTIETH ANNIVERSARY AND TO COMMEND
 THE CHURCH FOR NEARLY A CENTURY AND A HALF OF SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY.

   04/06/11  House  Introduced and adopted (House Journal-page 8)

TO RECOGNIZE LOWNDES HILL BAPTIST CHURCH OF GREENVILLE ON THE OCCASION OF ITS HISTORIC ONE HUNDRED FORTIETH ANNIVERSARY AND TO COMMEND THE CHURCH FOR NEARLY A CENTURY AND A HALF OF SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY.

Whereas, having been founded in 1871, Lowndes Hill Baptist Church of Greenville will celebrate its historic one hundred fortieth anniversary in 2011; and

Whereas, at its beginning, the church's six founding members gathered twice a week in the log cabin home of Mr. and Mrs. Alex James under the ministry of Reverend Ansum Fuller. As membership increased, so did the need for larger accommodations, so the little congregation built a meetinghouse out of slabs, with homemade benches for pews; and

Whereas, the church took its name from that of a local plantation belonging to Mr. and Mrs. Thomas O. Lowndes, Lowndes Hill, which also gave Lowndes Hill Road its name; and

Whereas, over the years, new buildings and enlargements of current ones were erected, according to ministry needs. On February 28, 1952, the church was destroyed by fire. The Lord was faithful to help the congregation recover, and on June 19, 1955, Lowndes Hill Baptist Church dedicated a new facility to the glory of God; and

Whereas, under the dynamic leadership of its twentieth pastor, Dr. Edward D. Brantley, the church was completely renovated. A homecoming service on Sunday, August 18, 1996, highlighted the celebration of the completed renovations; and

Whereas, since that time, Pastor Brantley has led the church in enlarging its ministry, with an emphasis on preaching and teaching the Word of God. As membership has increased, the church has added or revived a new members class, prayer service, Bible study, children's church, tape (CD) ministry, deacon's family ministry, Girl Scouts, junior missionary organization, and couples and singles ministries, among other endeavors; and

Whereas, in honor of their one hundred fortieth anniversary, the members of Lowndes Hill Baptist Church will enjoy a celebratory banquet on Saturday, July 9, 2011, and worship service on Sunday, July 10, 2011; and

Whereas, standing on the faith and strength of its early pastors and members, Lowndes Hill Baptist Church's present congregation "press[es] toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:14), continuing to preach and teach the unadulterated Word of God and serving its own, as well as the community; and

Whereas, Lowndes Hill Baptist Church has been a beacon of light in Greenville for one hundred forty years, and, God willing, led by its current pastor, Dr. Edward D. Brantley, will continue its godly heritage in 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 Lowndes Hill Baptist Church of Greenville on the occasion of its historic one hundred fortieth anniversary and commend the church for nearly a century and a half of service to the community.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be provided to Dr. Edward D. Brantley, pastor, on behalf of the congregation of Lowndes Hill Baptist Church.