S*1282 Resolution, By Sabb
 A SENATE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE JULY 21, 2018 AS "BISHOP EDWARD BLAIN, II
 DAY" IN SOUTH CAROLINA, TO COMMEND BISHOP BLAIN FOR HIS MANY YEARS OF
 DEDICATED SERVICE AS FOUNDER AND SENIOR BISHOP OF THE GLORIOUS UNITED
 PENTECOSTAL CHURCH OF GOD, INC., AND TO CONGRATULATE HIM ON THE OCCASION OF
 HIS NINETY-FOURTH BIRTHDAY.

   06/27/18  Senate Introduced and adopted (Senate Journal-page 9)

TO RECOGNIZE JULY 21, 2018 AS "BISHOP EDWARD BLAIN, II DAY" IN SOUTH CAROLINA, TO COMMEND BISHOP BLAIN FOR HIS MANY YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE AS FOUNDER AND SENIOR BISHOP OF THE GLORIOUS UNITED PENTECOSTAL CHURCH OF GOD, INC., AND TO CONGRATULATE HIM ON THE OCCASION OF HIS NINETY-FOURTH BIRTHDAY.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate are pleased to recognize Bishop Edward "Bud" Blain, II; and

Whereas, Bishop Blain was born on March 24, 1924 to Deacon Ed and Mother Mamie Williams Blain in the Sandridge community of Conway, South Carolina. From 1943 to 1946, Bishop Blain served in the United States Navy, and he earned his Doctorate of Theology from Jamison School of Theology in Philadelphia; and

Whereas, Bishop Blain's dedication to worship began at the early age of two, when he worshipped with his family at the St. John Holiness Church, cofounded by his grandmother, Mother Nolie Bryant Blaine. From 1958 to 1966, Bishop Blain served as the first vice general overseer for the General Assembly of the Church of God, Inc. In honor of his impeccable leadership and years of service, he currently serves as the General Assembly's senior bishop. Bishop Blain also served as pastor of the Friendship Church Of God in Atlantic City, New Jersey for a few years; and

Whereas, in 1966, Bishop Blain formed the Glorious United Pentecostal Church of God, Inc. in Chester, Pennsylvania, with the help of his immediate family and a few other saints. The organization grew, and churches were added in Virginia, North Carolina, New Jersey, Delaware, California, Florida, and Georgia; and

Whereas, in his dedication to the Lord, one of Bishop Blain's mottos is "follow me as I follow Christ"; and

Whereas, Bishop Blain was married to the late Gladys Edwards for seventy-one years. Their union was blessed with four children, Edward L. Blain, III, Charlene Blain-Alexander, Rev. Carl V. (Sylvia Young) Blain, and Stephanie (Anthony) Miller, Sr.; eleven grandchildren; thirty-one great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren; and

Whereas, the 52nd Annual Holy Convocation of the Glorious United Pentecostal Church of God, Inc., the week of July 18-21, 2018, is dedicated to Bishop Edward Blain, II, the church's founder and senior bishop; and

Whereas, the Senate is proud to honor this son of South Carolina at the celebration of his many years of service and of his ninety-fourth birthday, and the members join with his family and friends in congratulating him. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate:

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, recognize July 21, 2018 as "Bishop Edward Blain, II Day" in South Carolina, commend Bishop Blain for his many years of dedicated service as founder and senior bishop of the Glorious United Pentecostal Church of God, Inc., and congratulate him on the occasion of his ninety-fourth birthday.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Bishop Edward "Bud" Blain, II.