H 4071  Resolution, By Jones, Gilliam and Willis
 A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO CELEBRATE THE JOYOUS OCCASION OF THE TWO HUNDRED
 FORTY-EIGHTH ANNIVERSARY OF LANGSTON BAPTIST CHURCH AND TO CONGRATULATE AND
 COMMEND PASTOR GREGORY RANKIN AND THE CONGREGATION FOR NEARLY TWO AND A HALF
 CENTURIES OF DEDICATED SERVICE AND MINISTRY TO THE LAURENS COMMUNITY.

   03/11/21  House  Introduced and adopted (House Journal-page 44)

TO CELEBRATE THE JOYOUS OCCASION OF THE TWO HUNDRED FORTY-EIGHTH ANNIVERSARY OF LANGSTON BAPTIST CHURCH AND TO CONGRATULATE AND COMMEND PASTOR GREGORY RANKIN AND THE CONGREGATION FOR NEARLY TWO AND A HALF CENTURIES OF DEDICATED SERVICE AND MINISTRY TO THE LAURENS COMMUNITY.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives are pleased to learn that Langston Baptist Church of Laurens County will celebrate its two hundred forty-eighth anniversary; and

Whereas, one of the oldest churches in Upstate South Carolina, Langston Baptist Church was founded in 1773 with the original name of Upper Duncan Creek Church; and

Whereas, the church was later named after Solomon Langston, a Revolutionary War hero and patriot who served in the Spartan Regiment and who was the father of Dicey Langston, a Revolutionary War hero who spied on the Loyalists; and

Whereas, Solomon Langston is buried in a family cemetery on the church's property. The church and the property both have Revolutionary connections, as well as a history of use by the South Carolina Volunteers in 1861 to defend South Carolina; and

Whereas, today the church has been revitalized through the incredible musical gifts and talents of Pastor Gregory Rankin and his family: Karijoy, Luke, Peter, Deborah, Priscilla, Susanna, and Phebe; and

Whereas, with their eyes fixed on Jesus, the members of Langston Baptist Church value the many ministries of the church and those who offer their spiritual energy and encouragement to fulfill the church's commitment to I Corinthians 15:58: "Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain"; and

Whereas, the House of Representatives wishes to extend warmest congratulations on the occasion of the historic two hundred forty-eighth anniversary of Langston Baptist Church, and the members express deep appreciation for the long service the congregation has provided to Laurens County and South Carolina and wish the church a future of continued blessing in the years ahead. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, celebrate the joyous occasion of the two hundred forty-eighth anniversary of Langston Baptist Church and congratulate and commend Pastor Gregory Rankin and the congregation for nearly two and a half centuries of dedicated ministry and service to the Laurens community.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Pastor Gregory Rankin.