S*1249 Resolution, By Nicholson
 A SENATE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND COMMEND MT. OLIVE BAPTIST CHURCH IN
 NINETY SIX, SOUTH CAROLINA ON THE OCCASION OF ITS ONE HUNDRED FORTIETH
 ANNIVERSARY ON MAY 4, 2014, AND TO HONOR THE CHURCH FOR DECADES OF OUTSTANDING
 SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY.

   04/30/14  Senate Introduced and adopted (Senate Journal-page 7)

TO RECOGNIZE AND COMMEND MT. OLIVE BAPTIST CHURCH IN NINETY SIX, SOUTH CAROLINA ON THE OCCASION OF ITS ONE HUNDRED FORTIETH ANNIVERSARY ON MAY 4, 2014, AND TO HONOR THE CHURCH FOR DECADES OF OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY.

Whereas, Mt. Olive Baptist Church was organized in 1874, as stated on the church's cornerstone, at a place called Brush Harbor. The church was built on land gifted by the Payne family and is located on Mathis Road in Ninety Six; and

Whereas, original deacons of Mt. Olive were Harrison Mathis, Wade Robinson and others. Mt. Olive originally licensed J.H. Mathis, Samuel Jones and B. Williams. Reverend J.H. Mathis was ordained; and

Whereas, Reverend Ned Starks was Mt. Olive's first pastor, followed by his son, Reverend P. Starks. Reverend Ira Williams ministered in 1886 and remained until 1891. Reverend D.M. Spearman was pastor for a short time and was followed by Reverend James F. Marshall, who pastored the church in 1894 and 1895. Reverend J.H. Mathis served as pastor until 1901. Dr. Weaver took over in 1901. Reverend J.J. Gosen followed Dr. Weaver. Reverend Thomas McManus served as pastor during the 1920's. During the 1930's, Reverend Lomax led the church, followed by Reverend C.B. Freeman who pastored for thirty-eight years; and

Whereas, in 1960, the church was completely destroyed by fire during a lightning storm. Antioch and Old Mt. Zion welcomed members of Mt. Olive Baptist Church while the church underwent repairs; and

Whereas, Reverend Freeman resigned in 1968 and Reverend Mark Adams led the church until 1970. He was the first to organize a finance committee; and

Whereas, Reverend Vaughn came to Mt. Olive in 1970, and under his leadership the church underwent renovations inside and out. Reverend Vaughn served until 1975. Reverend W.T. Boggs followed and served for a short time in 1976; and

Whereas, Reverend H.T. Legons was installed as pastor in 1976 and served for nearly thirty-four years. Under his leadership, the church underwent renovations, constructed a fellowship hall in 1989, installed central heat and air conditioning, established the Trustee Board, pews were upholstered, and hymnals and Bibles were purchased; and

Whereas, Deacon Joe Johnson built, installed and donated bulletin boards in the vestibule and fellowship hall, Bible and hymn book holders on the back of pews, standing lecterns and flower stands; and

Whereas, in August 1999, the entrance sign was constructed by Deacon William Jones. In October 2003, a rally was conducted to install stained glass windows in the church. In February 2005, Deacon Arthur Dye came from Cedar Springs Baptist Church. In March 2006, a mortgage burning celebration was held for the Fellowship Hall; and

Whereas, Reverend Adrian Wideman preached his first sermon as head pastor in September 2011. Under his leadership, the church has hired a minister of music, new choirs have formed, and a Young Adult Sunday School class and nursery have been added; and

Whereas, the church has many ministries to offer, including Sunday School, Senior Choir, Youth Choir, Young Adult Choir, Male Choir, Praise Dance Team, Women's Auxiliary and Culinary and Wellness Ministries; and

Whereas, in 2013, corporate prayer, prayer walks and weekly taping of worship services was instituted. The church began paving the parking lot after many years of planning and preparation; and

Whereas, the Mt. Olive Baptist Church has been a beacon of light in the community of Ninety Six for one hundred forty years. The congregation hopes to follow the tradition of its founders by continuing in their godly heritage of worshiping and serving for many years to come. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate:

That the Senate, by this resolution, recognize and commend Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Ninety Six, South Carolina on the occasion of its one hundred fortieth anniversary on May 4, 2014, and honor the church for decades of outstanding service to the community.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Mt. Olive Baptist Church.