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TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR DR. FRED STONE, PASTOR OF FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF PICKENS, ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT AFTER OVER FORTY YEARS OF EXEMPLARY SERVICE AND TO WISH HIM MUCH HAPPINESS AS HE BEGINS HIS WELL-DESERVED RETIREMENT.
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives are pleased to learn that Dr. Fred Stone, pastor of First Baptist Church of Pickens, will begin a well-deserved retirement after devoting over four decades of his life to ministry, including twenty-five years of exceptional service to the people of Pickens; and
Whereas, a bright and eager student, Dr. Stone received a bachelor's degree from Clemson University, a Master of Divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando, Florida; and
Whereas, eager to spread God's word, Dr. Stone began his ministry as a youth and associate pastor, holding positions between 1977 and 1981. He was then ordained in 1981 and began his pastoral ministry at that time. He pastored at Mayo First Baptist Church in Mayo, at Utica Baptist Church in Seneca, and at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Clinton, before he finally found his home at Pickens First Baptist Church in Pickens; and
Whereas, in growing close with the community, Dr. Stone led the church and its congregation through several major changes. Some of which include a successful capital stewardship campaign and a large building program, as well as joining the church in ministry to the Pickens High School Fellowship of Christian Athletes and holding a pancake breakfast event which served several hundred students every Friday morning before school for years; and
Whereas, as the years began to pass, Pickens became the home where Dr. Stone and his wife of over forty years, Lisa, chose to raise their children, David and Michael. It also became the place where they have happily cherished time spoiling their two grandchildren, Will and Olivia; and
Whereas, a man of true faith, Fred has always sought to spread the word of God in a way that is clear and uplifting to the congregation. His ministry, as well as his upright and moral character have often been recognized by those around him and have served to inspire others to follow in his example; and
Whereas, with appreciation and respect for his fine work, Dr. Stone also has been recognized by his peers in ministry. In 2010, he was elected as president of the South Carolina Baptist Convention. Since then he served in a number of capacities within the Baptist State Convention, including the Executive Committee and Nominations Committee, as well as having served on and chaired the Baptist Courier Board; and
Whereas, the House of Representatives recognizes the success of the State of South Carolina, the strength and moral fiber of its communities, and the vitality of American society as a whole depend, in great measure, upon the dedication of individuals like Dr. Fred Stone, who use their talents and their time to serve and inspire others. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and honor Dr. Fred Stone, pastor of First Baptist Church of Pickens, on the occasion of his retirement after forty years of exemplary service and wish him much happiness as he begins his well-deserved retirement.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Dr. Fred Stone.
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