A house RESOLUTION

 

TO CONGRATULATE MT. JOY HOLINESS CHURCH OF ULMER ON THE OCCASION OF ITS FIFTY-SECOND ANNIVERSARY AND TO COMMEND THE CHURCH FOR MORE THAN A HALF-CENTURY OF SERVICE TO GOD AND THE COMMUNITY.

 

Whereas, established in November 1974 under the leadership of Elder J.C. Summers Sr., Mt. Joy Holiness Church began with seven adult members: Sister Bertha Summers, Brother and Sister William Priester, Brother and Sister Pearlstine Rivers, Mother Florrie Crosby, and Mother Mariah Rivers. Over the years prior to this, they traveled from place to place, rendering services in an effort to save the lost; and

 

Whereas, upon learning that a church facility in Ulmer owned by the Mennonites was for sale, the fledgling church made contact with them, and the owners agreed to sell. The members of Mt. Joy were elated to have a holiness church in Ulmer in which to worship and serve God; and

 

Whereas, during his tenure as pastor, Elder Summers was exalted to bishop and was responsible for many wonderful works. Under his leadership, the following organizations were established: the Adult Missionary Department, Youth Department, Adult Choir, Youth Choir, and the Gospelettes. In addition, he was responsible for building restrooms at the entrance of the church, as well as a baptismal pool completed shortly before his untimely death in March l981; and

 

Whereas, immediately thereafter, Mother Bertha Summers took the helm and began preaching the gospel of deliverance. She was ordained to eldership in June 1983. An extraordinary leader who counseled, gave advice, and prayed for many people, she had a desire to expand the building in order to improve efficacy. Many financial institutions refused to loan the church the needed funds; however, by faith the project was started and eventually completed. This included a pastor's study, social hall, and three restrooms. The church was rededicated on November 16, 1986. Further, during Mother Bertha Summers' tenure, a Men's Day was initiated, as were additional enhancements to the exterior of the church. Until her passing in December 2011, Eldress Summers was a dynamic preacher who taught and lived by faith; and

 

Whereas, the church was not left without a leader as Minister Willie Priester was elevated to eldership and installed as pastor in January 2012. He continues to preach the word of deliverance and expects miracles every day. During his tenure as pastor, he has established trustees to care for the church's affairs and monthly celebrations for birthday recipients. Additionally, he presided over the completion of the church's new edifice, which was finished in August 2018; and

 

Whereas, Mt. Joy Holiness Church has been a beacon of light and a community worship center in the Ulmer area for fifty-two years, and, God willing, will continue its godly heritage for many more years of worship and service. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, congratulate Mt. Joy Holiness Church of Ulmer on the occasion of its fifty-second anniversary and commend the church for more than a half-century of service to God and the community.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Mt. Joy Holiness Church.

----XX----