A house RESOLUTION

 

TO CONGRATULATE CONGRUITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (USA) IN SUMTER ON THE OCCASION OF ITS ONE HUNDRED FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY AND TO WISH THE CHURCH CONTINUED SUCCESS AS IT SPREADS THE GOSPEL THROUGHOUT THE COMMUNITY ITS CALLED TO SERVE.

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives are pleased to congratulate Congruity Presbyterian Church (USA) on the occasion of its one hundred fiftieth anniversary which it celebrated in August 2025; and

 

Whereas, began by enslaved people who only were permitted to worship in the presence of their masters in the Concord Presbyterian Church of Sumter, Congruity Presbyterian was officially organized around 1875 under a brush harbor by Rev. W.R. Miller. These outstanding and strong laymen gave the organization a sound and durable foundation on which to build; and

 

Whereas, one of the rich heritages of the church has been its uplifting music ministry, a tradition that continues to this day. Leadership was another key component of the church's foundation. Under the leadership of Rev. J.H. Nelson, renovations were made to the second church to include restrooms, running water and a heating system. A homecoming program was started and continues annually the fourth Sunday in August; and

 

Whereas, in 1967 Rev. R.C. Johnson became pastor and a new modern brick structure was erected. His tenure also saw the installation of Flossie Benjamin and Pearl Pringle as the first female elders, paving the way for future women in the ministry; and

 

Whereas, Rev. L. Hill became pastor in 1975 to begin his ministerial career. His youthfulness contributed to the initiation of a number of youth activities including baseball and basketball leagues. The sanctuary was remodeled, and financial resources were put in place for construction of an educational building. Rev. Hill also began an ecumenical outreach to other religious denominations in the area; and

 

Whereas, seeing the need for greater educational involvement, an education building was constructed under the leadership of Rev. S. Morse, and a tutorial program known as Project Uplift was housed in the church's educational building with twenty-six senior high participants; and

 

Whereas, successive pastors continued such improvements as a paved parking lot, a pastor's study, an IBM computer system, the purchase of a passenger van, and stained glass windows. Under the tenure of Rev. A. Washington, the current supply pastor, the sanctuary and fellowship hall were renovated, a media technology room to house equipment and technology to broadcast weekly services was built, and a security system was installed; and

 

Whereas, with the commitment and the dedication of its members and the community, Congruity Presbyterian Church (USA) is well poised to continue playing a pivotal role in the spiritual, education, and civic life of Sumter County and beyond. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, congratulate Congruity Presbyterian Church (USA) on the occasion of its one hundred fiftieth anniversary and wish it continued success as it spreads the gospel throughout the community it is called to serve.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the pastor and members of Congruity Presbyterian Church (USA).

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