S 0970  Resolution, By Nicholson
 A SENATE RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE ROCK PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF GREENWOOD ON
 THE OCCASION OF ITS HISTORIC TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY AND TO
 COMMEND THE CHURCH FOR TWO AND A HALF CENTURIES OF SERVICE TO GOD AND THE
 COMMUNITY.
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   01/14/20  Senate Introduced and adopted (Senate Journal-page 57)

TO CONGRATULATE ROCK PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF GREENWOOD ON THE OCCASION OF ITS HISTORIC TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY AND TO COMMEND THE CHURCH FOR TWO AND A HALF CENTURIES OF SERVICE TO GOD AND THE COMMUNITY.

Whereas, founded in 1770, Rock Presbyterian Church of Greenwood, is celebrating its two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of Gospel ministry in 2020; and

Whereas, Rock Presbyterian Church, led by Rev. Dr. Chris Leonard and Rev. Debby Plumstead Marshall, has sought to serve the Lord with faithfulness; and

Whereas, the church was first organized just northeast of Greenwood in 1770 under the name Rocky Creek Presbyterian Church. The congregation was first supplied by the Reverend James Templeton, a graduate of Nassan Hall and licensed by Hannover Presbytery on October 26, 1775. The Church's second supply minister was the Reverend James Creswell, a native of England, an original organizer of the church in 1770, and a soldier in the Revolutionary War; and

Whereas, the church has endured much hardship, as when in 1959 the historic church building burned to the ground, with only a communion table and three pews saved from the blaze. Despite this, the church continued to pursue its mission and provide for its congregation, as services were held in the refurbished school house and new building plans were crafted; and

Whereas, on May 15, 1960, the newly constructed church building was occupied by eighty-two members and was dedicated to the glory of God; and

Whereas, Rock Presbyterian Church has belonged to the Southern Presbyterian Church, the Presbyterian Church in America, operated as an independent church, and most recently as a part of the Mid-Atlantic Presbytery of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church. Regardless of affiliation, however, the congregation has always maintained a strong, loyal, and committed flock who have dedicated themselves to the lasting health of the church; and

Whereas, Rock Presbyterian Church has been a beacon of light and a community worship center in the Greenwood area for more than two hundred and fifty years, 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, congratulate Rock Presbyterian Church of Greenwood on the occasion of its historic two hundred and fiftieth anniversary and commend the church for two and a half centuries of service to God and the community.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Rock Presbyterian Church.