A house RESOLUTION

 

TO RECOGNIZE AND CONGRATULATE ST. PHILLIP AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF EASTOVER ON THE OCCASION OF ITS HISTORIC ONE HUNDRED NINETY-SECOND ANNIVERSARY AND TO COMMEND THE CHURCH FOR ITS MANY YEARS OF SERVICE TO GOD AND THE COMMUNITY.

 

Whereas, having been founded about 1835, St. Phillip African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church of Eastover is celebrating its historic one hundred ninety-second anniversary in 2025; and

 

Whereas, more than one hundred ninety-two years ago, a group of Christians assembled in a place called Acton under what was known as a bush arbor to worship God. This hallowed spot, marked by the shelter of oak trees and a nearby well, served as their sanctuary for a time. After the church's organization, its congregation constructed a sanctuary. The land on which it was built, two and one-half acres located among other small lots, had been given by certain white residents to their Black workers as a burial ground for their families. The Reverend Anderson Burns served as the fledgling church's first pastor, and its original trustees were Joseph and Robert Collins, Barnes Flowers, Saylor Pope, Harkness Smith, and Red Stroy; and

 

Whereas, a later sanctuary, built in 1952, burned in 1981; the present sanctuary was dedicated to the glory of God that same year on December 13; and

 

Whereas, St. Phillip AME, by God's grace having weathered the storms and triumphantly celebrated the victories the years have brought, continues to pass on a rich heritage of faith; and

 

Whereas, presently led by the Reverend Larry D. Clark as senior pastor, the church will hold a joyful celebration of its milestone one hundred ninety-second anniversary, including a brunch on Saturday, June 21, 2025, and a homecoming worship service on Sunday, June 22; and

 

Whereas, one of the oldest established African American churches in Lower Richland, St. Phillip AME Church has been a beacon of light and a multigenerational community worship center in the Eastover area for nearly two hundred 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, recognize and congratulate St. Phillip African Methodist Episcopal Church of Eastover on the occasion of its historic one hundred ninety-second anniversary and commend the church for its many years of service to God and the community.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to St. Phillip AME Church.

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