A senate RESOLUTION

 

TO CONGRATULATE St. Peter AME Church UPON THE dedication of its historical marker AND TO COMMEND the church FOR ITS MANY YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE PEOPLE AND THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA.

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate are pleased to recognize St. Peter AME Church as it celebrates this important milestone; and

 

Whereas, St. Peter AME Church was established by five former enslaved people, Peter Caldwell, Henry Glover, Albert Pauling, Elijah Robinson, and F. W. Williams, who shared a vision and determination to create a place of worship. They purchased a parcel of land from Thomas Ulmer for the modest sum of eight dollars. At that time, the land belonged to Orangeburg County, and the deed was officially recorded on August 4, 1881; and

 

Whereas, though Caldwell, Glover, Pauling, Robinson, and Williams became the first trustees of the church, financial difficulties prevented them from realizing their dream of erecting a church building. In the beginning, the church body held services in a bush harbor, an informal setting that reflected the limited resources available to them; and

 

Whereas, the first pastor of the organized congregation was the Reverend Adam Williams. His successor, Reverend W. M. McDuffie, worked relentlessly alongside his parishioners to bring their vision to life. Their hard work paid off when the construction of the church was finally completed in July of 1906; and

 

Whereas, the mission of St. Peter was twofold: alongside the church, a school was built on the premises to serve as the first educational institution for African American children in Calhoun County. Professor Andrew Black, who also played an educational role during the church's bush harbor days, served as the principal and head teacher until his passing in 1942; and

 

Whereas, over the years, St. Peter has been blessed with many remarkable pastors, including Reverend B. F. Hildebrand, B. F. Sumter, J. S. Hunter, and W. J. Baxter, the latter of whom also served as a Presiding Elder. The church has undergone significant modernization, both spiritually and materially. Under the guidance of Reverend E. O. Vance, the original building was brick veneered, while during Reverend Baxter's leadership, the church was refurbished with new stained-glass windows, the purchase of its first organ, and the installation of a phonics system; and

 

Whereas, Reverend Virginia Stith oversaw the re-roofing of the church, and Reverend Saint Julian Snider managed renovations of the Educational Complex, transforming the Senior Classroom into the W. D. Shepard Conference Room to honor a pastor who greatly contributed to the church building fund. Additionally, Sister Ethel Joseph, president of the St. Peter AME Church of New York Club, generously donated a new steeple; and

 

Whereas, in 2016, St. Peter's faced damage from inclement weather. Following the prayers and determination of church members, including David Glivens, Howard Jackson, Carl Simmons, and Gladys Simmons, and with the support of Reverend Fair and permission from Bishop Samuel L. Green, a new church was erected in January 2020 on land donated by Cora B. Black and her daughters. Reverend Fair, followed by Reverend Curry and then Reverend Larry J. Nelson, faithfully led the church until being succeeded by Reverend Virgil Hammett; and

 

Whereas, as of August 16, 2025, the historical significance of St. Peter AME Church and School is acknowledged through the extensive research and dedicated effort of Pastor Virgil Hammett, Howard Jackson, Andrea Moore, Andrew Jackson, Charlene Jenkins, Christian Snell III, Lesa-Rice Jackson, Mary F. Mack, Stacy Cokely, and Tresslyn B. Irving. This cherished institution stands as a testament to the shared heritage of the members of the church congregation, as well as a symbol of the resilience and contributions of those who forged its path and those who continue to uphold its mission today; and

 

Whereas, the dedication and commitment of St. Peter AME Church to serving the people and the State of South Carolina is greatly appreciated.  Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved:

 

That St. Peter AME Church be congratulated upon the dedication of its historical marker and commended for its many years of dedicated service to the people and the State of South Carolina.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the pastor of St. Peter AME Church, Reverend Virgil Hammett.

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