A house RESOLUTION

 

to CELEBRATE THE JOYOUS OCCASION OF THE historic ONE HUNDRED FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF UNITY ASSOCIATE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH AND TO CONGRATULATE AND HONOR THE CONGREGATION FOR A CENTURY AND A HALF OF DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE LANCASTER COMMUNITY.

 

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives is gratified to learn that members of Unity Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church of Lancaster will celebrate their one hundred fiftieth anniversary in 2025; and

 

Whereas, Unity Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church was organized in Lancaster on Saturday August 5, 1875, with the initial Sabbath worship service occurring the following day. The church's name was suggested by Reverend E. E. Pressly of the First Presbytery of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. The church originally met in the homes of Jane Draffin Williams and John W. McCain. A church was constructed on five acres of land donated by John W. McCain with the first service held on April 2, 1876; and

 

Whereas, the first installed pastor at Unity Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church was Reverend E. E. Pressly, who also served as pastor for the Shiloh Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Lancaster; and

 

Whereas, as the congregation continued to grow, new church buildings were constructed in 1903 and 1964; and

 

Whereas, the church grounds have grown over the years to include two Christian education buildings, Carson Hall and Memorial Hall, as well as the fellowship hall. Also on the grounds are the church cemetery maintained by the Unity Memorial Association, a large playground, a memorial garden, and the church manse; and

 

Whereas, Unity members have long supported both Synod and Presbytery endeavors such as Erskine College and Seminary, founded by the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in 1839, and Bonclarken, the Synod's Christian Conference Center in Flat Rock, North Carolina; and

 

Whereas, in 2025 Unity Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church continues to provide Christian nurturing and education under the guidance of Reverend Charles Hammond through its morning worship service, Sunday School programs, youth ministries and activities, Wednesday morning Prayer Meeting, Men of the Church, Women of the Church, the Unity Senior Adults, and the Double W Club for widows and widowers. Other ministries include the Unity Endowment Scholarship program for members attending college, Seth's Hope which works with the School District to identify "angels" and fill their needs with gifts, the "Back Pack" ministry for needy students, sponsoring five age levels of Girl Scouts, working with Jackie's Place Ministries to prepare and deliver Thanksgiving meals, providing food items for the local HOPE Food Bank, and hosting the annual Night To Shine event, in conjunction with the Tim Tebow Foundation, for people with special needs. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, celebrate the joyous occasion of the one hundred fiftieth anniversary of Unity Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church and congratulate and honor the congregation for a century and a half of dedicated service to the Lancaster community.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the Session of Unity Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church.

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