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TO CONGRATULATE LITTLE ZION BAPTIST CHURCH UPON THE OCCASION OF ITS ONE HUNDRED AND NINETIETH ANNIVERSARY AND TO COMMEND LITTLE ZION BAPTIST CHURCH FOR ITS MANY YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE BLYTHEWOOD COMMUNITY AND THE PEOPLE AND THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA.
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate are pleased to recognize Little Zion Baptist Church as it celebrates this important milestone; and
Whereas, it is believed that Little Zion Baptist Church was founded in 1832, thirty-three years before the Emancipation Proclamation; and
Whereas, the first meetings of Little Zion worshippers were held under a "Brush Arbor," a common structure for worship of those who were enslaved. Meetings were later held in a log cabin on the Entzminger Family's homestead, just above the present church site in Blythewood; and
Whereas, in 1886, Little Zion worshippers purchased land for a price of twenty-five dollars. The events surrounding this purchase are recorded in the South Carolina State Archives; and
Whereas, on this purchased land, a wood-frame structure was built. A historical marker was erected on the grounds in 2018 to establish a permanent record of this historical site; and
Whereas, under the leadership of many faithful pastors, some whose names are unknown, the church continued to thrive. Among the names of those pastors who can be recalled are Rev. Sanker Ruff, Rev. Joe Taylor, Rev. A.L. Ford, Rev. H. Butler, Rev. L. Johnson, Rev. Abraham Chandler, Rev. Jacob C. Spann, Jr., Rev. Clarence E. Harrell, and Rev. Dr. Willie L. Starks; and
Whereas, the church is under the current leadership of Pastor Eddie W. Davis, who began serving as pastor in 1983; and
Whereas, throughout its history, the church has continued to grow and progress. In 1995, the vision of a new church was fulfilled, and the Little Zion Family marched into the present building. Pastors have organized auxiliaries and renovations of the building and grounds. The Jubilee Choir, now the Gospel Choir, was organized in 1895. The Senior Usher Board was organized in 1933; and
Whereas, teaching and spiritual development have grown vastly through the expansion of the Bible Studies, Sunday School, and various ministries. The congregation increased in numbers as well as spiritual growth. The ministerial staff increased, with the licensing of at least thirteen ministers and evangelists and several ordinations. The official staff of deacons also increased. Twenty-five volunteer ministries are currently functioning within the church and the community; and
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate greatly appreciate the dedication and commitment of Little Zion Baptist Church to serving the people and the State of South Carolina. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate:
That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, congratulate Little Zion Baptist Church upon the occasion of its one hundred and ninetieth anniversary and commend Little Zion Baptist Church for its many years of dedicated service to the Blythewood community and the people and the State of South Carolina.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Pastor Eddie W Davis.
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