S 1295  Resolution, By Gambrell
 A SENATE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND CONGRATULATE PLEASANT HILL BAPTIST CHURCH
 OF BELTON ON THE OCCASION OF ITS HISTORIC ONE HUNDRED FIFTIETH+1 ANNIVERSARY
 AND TO COMMEND THE CHURCH FOR ITS MANY YEARS OF SERVICE TO GOD AND THE
 COMMUNITY.

   04/27/22  Senate Introduced and adopted (Senate Journal-page 6)

TO RECOGNIZE AND CONGRATULATE PLEASANT HILL BAPTIST CHURCH OF BELTON ON THE OCCASION OF ITS HISTORIC ONE HUNDRED FIFTIETH+1 ANNIVERSARY AND TO COMMEND THE CHURCH FOR ITS MANY YEARS OF SERVICE TO GOD AND THE COMMUNITY.

Whereas, having been founded in 1871, Pleasant Hill Baptist Church of Belton is celebrating its historic one hundred fiftieth+1 anniversary in 2022; and

Whereas, to mark its milestone one hundred fiftieth+1 anniversary, the church will set apart a special celebratory time on Friday, August 5, 2022, led by its current pastor, the Reverend Paul Garrett; and

Whereas, some two and a half miles east of its present location, on Rob Pendleton's farm, Pleasant Hill Baptist was founded. A group of spiritually minded people elected the Reverend Stewart Oliver pastor of the church. Under his leadership, the church was moved to an area close by, where the present church now stands. On its first two acres of land, the first services were held under some shade trees, with wood slabs for benches; and

Whereas, over the years, many improvements have been made to the church facilities, among them the purchase of a bell and the building of a bell tower, the remodeling of the church building, the addition of two rooms, and the construction of a new brick church. Later, a piano, a kitchen, air conditioning, a dining area, a gas furnace, and an organ were added. Since the church's founding, its ministries have increased, as well, and they include a library, Bible study, children's church, the Pleasant Hill Gospel Choir, the Youth Choir, and the Sunbeam Choir; and

Whereas, further, the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Board of Trustees became an official part of the church on March 12, 1970, and the Women's Missionary Society, one of the older organizations of the church, serves the community by sharing God's passion and taking part in promoting the Christian cause; and

Whereas, by God's grace, Pleasant Hill Baptist's congregation, having weathered the storms and triumphantly celebrated the victories the years have brought, continues to pass on a rich heritage of faith; and

Whereas, standing on the faith and strength of its early pastors and members, Pleasant Hill Baptist's present congregation "press[es] toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:14), preaching and teaching the Word of God; and

Whereas, Pleasant Hill Baptist Church has been a beacon of light and a community worship center in the Belton area for more than a century and a half, 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 Pleasant Hill Baptist Church of Belton on the occasion of its historic one hundred fiftieth+1 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 Pleasant Hill Baptist Church.