A concurrent RESOLUTION

 

TO HONOR AND CONGRATULATE MT. HEBRON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF WEST COLUMBIA ON THE OCCASION OF ITS 225TH ANNIVERSARY AND EXTEND HEARTFELT BEST WISHES FOR CONTINUED CHRISTIAN MINISTRY AND SERVICE IN THE FUTURE.

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina General Assembly are pleased to learn that Mt. Hebron United Methodist Church of West Columbia celebrates its two hundred twenty-fifth anniversary in 2026, marking over two centuries of faithful service to Lexington County and South Carolina; and

 

Whereas, for two hundred twenty-five years, Mt. Hebron United Methodist Church has been a pillar of the West Columbia community and Lexington County, serving as a spiritual home that nurtures the Christian faith across generations, welcomes all, and supports neighbors; and

 

Whereas, the church was founded in 1800 by pioneer pastor the Reverend Henry Sechrist, when a Methodist congregation gathered in the home of Martin Hook and soon constructed a small log church at the "Half Way Ground" near the present-day intersection of Interstate 20 and Leaphart Road; and

 

Whereas, in 1837, the congregation built its first church on the present site and expanded its campus with additional buildings, including a sanctuary erected in 1907, a Sunday School annex added in 1930, and the present sanctuary completed in 1963, along with later educational, family life, and ministry facilities. The campus also includes historic Temperance Hall, built in the early 1860s by the Sons of Temperance and later restored and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, supporting the church's fellowship and educational ministries; and

 

Whereas, today the church offers a broad ministry for all ages, including Sunday School, active children's and youth programs, Vacation Bible School, and weekday studies and fellowship that nurture spiritual growth; and

 

Whereas, the church further enriches congregational life through a vibrant music ministry and extends its outreach through United Women in Faith, the United Methodist Men, and Scouting programs, along with ministries such as the Mt. Hebron Counseling Center, Hebron Day School, and mission partnerships including Henderson Settlement, the Memory Café, and the Salkehatchie Summer Service Project; and

 

Whereas, through faith in Christ and steadfast perseverance, the church remains resilient and continues to flourish in its mission of worship, discipleship, and service; and

 

Whereas, in observance of its 225th anniversary, the church has highlighted its ministries through "Fourth Sunday" focuses and special activities, culminating in a service on August 23, 2026, featuring Bishop Leonard Fairley and Mt. Hebron's pastor, the Rev. Dr. Ann DeRosset Kovan. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:

 

That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, honor and congratulate Mt. Hebron United Methodist Church of West Columbia on the occasion of its 225th anniversary and extend heartfelt best wishes for continued Christian ministry and service in the future.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Mt. Hebron United Methodist Church.

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