A house RESOLUTION

 

to recognize and congratulate Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church of Spartanburg on the occasion of its one hundred thirty-first anniversary and to commend the church for over a century of devoted service to god and the community.

 

Whereas, the members of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church reflect on their humble beginnings, recalling how a research committee discovered the original deed showing the purchase of land on West Henry Street in 1894. The group found that while the church was chartered in 1904, it had been organized a decade earlier; and

 

Whereas, the original Macedonia Baptist Church was located at the corner of South Liberty and East Valley Streets, where services were held until July 1904 under the leadership of Reverend W.M. Evans. In that same year, the congregation moved to a temporary site over the Wright Scruggs Shoe Store in the Andrews Building. Outgrowing this space, the church began searching for a new home in the fall of 1904. A lot measuring fifty feet across the front was purchased, and a new slat building was constructed facing Exchange Street and the old C & WC Railroad. The church remained at this location from 1904 to 1914; and

 

Whereas, in 1914, Reverend E.W. Bowen became pastor, overseeing a significant increase in membership. In response to this growth, the church was rebuilt as a wooden structure facing West Henry Street.  In 1920, Reverend R. S. Sims became the church's tenth pastor, leading the congregation to make major improvements, including the construction of a new brick building around the old wooden structure; and

 

Whereas, under the leadership of Reverend A.M. Means, who became pastor in 1929, the church made significant internal improvements, including the installation of a new furnace, which replaced the old pot-bellied stoves. This furnace was a notable achievement during the challenging time of the Great Depression. Macedonia continued to grow in members and Christian love, and in 1942, Reverend W. L. Wilson became pastor, leading Macedonia through forty-six years of accomplishments, including the installation of new pews, a baptistery, and the purchase of a Hammond organ; and

 

Whereas, under the leadership of Reverend Kaiser W. Jones, who served as pastor until 1997, there were substantial improvements to the church, including the installation of a new sound system, intercom, alarm, and computer system. He increased the Deacon Board to twenty-one, included women on the Trustee Board, and encouraged the youth to become more involved in worship services. In 1998, Reverend Oscar R. Cleveland was elected pastor. He focused on preparing the congregation for the new millennium through holistic teaching and outreach. Reverend Dr. M. Keith McDaniel assumed leadership in 2010, where he serves today; and

 

Whereas, throughout its history, Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church has been blessed with dedicated pastors and deacons, each playing a vital role in guiding the church and nurturing the congregation's growth. The deacons, though too numerous to mention individually, have faithfully served alongside the pastors, ensuring the smooth operation of the church; and

 

Whereas, Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church was founded to worship Almighty God and has remained steadfast in proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ, even amid challenges over the years. The Macedonia church family has always been united in faith, hope, and a firm belief in God's power. With these guiding principles, the church has continued to grow and progress; and

 

Whereas, for one hundred thirty-one years, Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church has been a beacon of light and a community worship center in Spartanburg, and with God's grace, it will continue its godly heritage for many more years to come. 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 congratulate Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church of Spartanburg on the occasion of its one hundred thirty-first anniversary and commend the church for over a century of devoted service to God and the community.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church.

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