A house RESOLUTION

 

TO THANK DR. CHARLES E. YOUNG FOR A LIFETIME OF SERVICE AS AN EDUCATOR, ADMINISTRATOR, PASTOR, AND CHRISTIAN LEADER AND TO CONGRATULATE HIM ON HIS RETIREMENT AFTER NEARLY FIFTY YEARS OF MINISTRY UNTO THE LORD.

 

Whereas, a Georgetown County native, Dr. Charles E. Young received his early education in that county's public school system. After serving in the United States Army, he continued his education at Virginia Union University in Virginia, where he earned a bachelor's degree in biology. However, following his conversion and acceptance of the call to preach, he set aside his pursuit of medical science and enrolled at Columbia International University, where he earned a master's degree in divinity. Dr. Young further strengthened his ministry skills by completing studies in urban church planting at Westminster Theological Seminary in Pennsylvania, a doctorate in systematic theology from Trinity Theological Seminary in Indiana, and a certificate in educational management and presidential leadership from Harvard Graduate School of Education; and

 

Whereas, Dr. Young cultivated a distinguished career in theological education, pastoral ministry, and higher education administration. During his forty-nine years of Christian ministry, he served as a seminary professor, pastor, college president, and presiding elder. Currently, as the presiding elder of the Midlands District in the Central South Carolina Annual Conference of the Seventh Episcopal District, he functions as a middle manager for the presiding bishop of the Seventh Episcopal District. His position as presiding elder is both administrative and advisory. He provides in-service training for pastors, itinerant preachers, local preachers, and lay workers; and

 

Whereas, further, while Dr. Young served as president of Allen University, that institution saw growth in academic offerings and enrollment and experienced increased revenues and strengthening of academic programs. The university also saw an increase in faculty with terminal degrees, enjoyed facility renovation and new construction, and acquired more property for future growth; and

 

Whereas, in 1994, sensing a new call to pastoral leadership, Dr. Young transitioned into full-time congregational ministry. He served as full-time pastor of three congregations within the Seventh Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church: Ebenezer AME (Charleston), Campbell AME (Bluffton), and Pine Grove AME (Columbia). His pastoral work emphasized church growth, discipleship formation, and intergenerational ministry. He led his congregations through major capital improvement projects and initiated relevant community development programs, including housing and economic revitalization. As chair of the Charleston Empowerment Community, he was instrumental in expanding access to affordable housing for low-income families; and

 

Whereas, Dr. Young also enjoyed numerous years of service in theological education and higher education administration. For fifteen years, he served on the faculty of Columbia International University, where he taught Christian theology, homiletics, and evangelism, with a focus on urban missions. His academic influence extended globally through his leadership of summer study tours across Europe, Asia, and South America. He also taught courses in theology, preaching, and church ministry at Dickerson-Green Theological Seminary; and

 

Whereas, Dr. Young has demonstrated a strong commitment to preparing individuals for pastoral ministry throughout his pastoral career and tenure as presiding elder, including his extensive service as chair of the board of examiners for three annual conferences. He currently serves as chair of the Seventh Episcopal Board of Examiners and chair of the Central South Carolina Annual Conference Board of Examiners; and

 

Whereas, Dr. Young finds strength for his labors in the loving support of his family: his dear wife of more than forty years, Sandra Archer, Ph.D.; their children, Charlotte (Sola) and Christopher (Kristen); and their three grandchildren. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, thank Dr. Charles E. Young for a lifetime of service as an educator, administrator, pastor, and Christian leader and congratulate him on his retirement after nearly fifty years of ministry unto the Lord.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Dr. Charles E. Young.

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