Bill 539

                    Current Status

Bill Number:                       539
Type of Legislation:               Senate Resolution SR
Introducing Body:                  Senate
Introduced Date:                   19950216
Primary Sponsor:                   J. Verne Smith
All Sponsors:                      J. Verne Smith, Alexander,
                                   Bryan, Cork, Courson, Courtney,
                                   Drummond, Elliott, Ford, Giese,
                                   Glover, Gregory, Hayes, Holland,
                                   Jackson, Land, Lander, Leatherman,
                                   Leventis, Martin, Matthews,
                                   McConnell, McGill, Mescher, Moore,
                                   O'Dell, Passailaigue, Patterson,
                                   Peeler, Rankin, Reese, Richter, Rose,
                                   Russell, Ryberg, Saleeby, Setzler,
                                   Short, Greg Smith, Stilwell, Thomas,
                                   Waldrep, Washington, Williams and
                                   Wilson 
Drafted Document Number:           PFM\7059BDW.95
Date Bill Passed both Bodies:      19950216
Subject:                           Mary Gordon Ellis

Body    Date      Action Description                       Com     Leg Involved
______  ________  _______________________________________  _______ ____________

Senate  19950216  Introduced, adopted

A SENATE RESOLUTION

AUTHORIZING THE COMMISSIONING OF A PORTRAIT OF SOUTH CAROLINA'S FIRST WOMAN SENATOR, MARY GORDON ELLIS, TO BE PLACED IN THE SENATE CHAMBER AS A TRIBUTE TO THIS PIONEER LEGISLATOR.

Whereas, the Honorable Mary Gordon Ellis was elected to the South Carolina State Senate in 1928; and

Whereas, while serving in the Senate, 1929-1932, she was very active and served on numerous committees including: education, incorporations, military, privileges and elections, natural resources, charitable institutions, penitentiary, and retrenchments; and

Whereas, after a brief life of accomplishing many positive changes for our State, Mary Gordon Ellis died in 1934 at the age of forty-four from cancer; and

Whereas, in recent years, there has been a renewed interest in her work and influence. A portrait in the State House would honor her work while educating South Carolina citizens about her important contributions; and

Whereas, Mary Gordon Ellis is deserving of permanent recognition and tribute in a special manner. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate:

That the members of the Senate authorize the commissioning of a portrait of South Carolina's first woman Senator, Mary Gordon Ellis, to be placed in the Senate Chamber as a tribute to this pioneer legislator.

Be it further resolved that the President of the Senate appoint a committee of five members of the Senate, with one to be designated as chairman, to handle the arrangements and details of the hanging of the portrait including, but not limited to, the appropriate location for the portrait and the ceremony of unveiling and dedicating the portrait.