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TO RECOGNIZE COLUMBIA'S ZION CHAPEL BAPTIST CHURCH ON THE OCCASION OF ITS ONE HUNDRED THIRTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY AND TO COMMEND THE CHURCH FOR ITS SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY.
Whereas, having been founded in 1872, Columbia's Zion Chapel Baptist Church will celebrate its historic one hundred thirty-fifth anniversary on April 22, 2007; and
Whereas, starting out in a small community on Bluff Road, called Lykesland, on land donated by descendents of former Governor John Lawrence Manning, a few of God's humble servants came together and established what was then called Zion Chapel Baptist Church Number Two; and
Whereas, Reverend Frank Dobbins and five deacons founded the church and faithfully served the congregation and the community until 1879; and
Whereas, through God's leadership and grace, Reverend Abraham Chandler became the second pastor and preached to the members of Zion Chapel until 1939. Upon his death, Reverend Chandler was buried in the cemetery at the original site of the church; and
Whereas, from 1939 until 1947, Zion Chapel was blessed with the leadership of its third pastor, Reverend J. C. Spann, who was the first minister in the community to register African Americans for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People; and
Whereas, Reverend Hill Norris, Sr., took over the pulpit in 1947 with a new vision for the church, and under his guidance and leadership, the congregation relocated approximately four miles away to a new sanctuary at 11 Reeder Point Drive; and
Whereas, following the retirement of Reverend Norris in 1973, Zion Chapel called Reverend George W. Dorrah as its fourth pastor who guided Zion Chapel in a most spiritual way for nineteen years; and
Whereas, from 1992 until 1999, Reverend Joseph English used his experience as a retired principal and educator to help teach Biblical interpretations and serve Zion Chapel Baptist Church as its fifth pastor; and
Whereas, the new millennium brought Reverend Algerron D. Williams, Sr., to Zion Chapel as the sixth pastor since its beginning in 1872. Under his leadership, the church membership has grown tremendously, both spiritually and numerically with over seventy new members joining the congregation in his first year as pastor; and
Whereas, Zion Chapel Baptist Church has been a beacon of light in the community of Columbia for one hundred thirty-five years, and God willing, led by its current pastor, Reverend Williams, Sr., will continue its godly heritage in 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 Columbia's Zion Chapel Baptist Church on the occasion of its one hundred thirty-fifth anniversary and commend the church for its service to the community.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Reverend Algerron D. Williams, Sr., on behalf of the congregation of Zion Chapel Baptist Church.
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