A house RESOLUTION

 

TO CONGRATULATE THE GUILES FAMILY MEMBERS ON THEIR FAITHFULNESS IN RENEWING FAMILY TIES BY CONTINUING TO GATHER, TO COMMEND THEIR COMMITMENT TO FAMILY AS THEY CELEBRATE THEIR UPCOMING AUGUST 2026 REUNION, AND TO DECLARE AUGUST 1, 2026, as "W.S. GUILES DAY" IN SOUTH CAROLINA IN HONOR OF THE FAMILY FOUNDER.

 

Whereas, in a time when mobility and displacement from family roots make family relationships more difficult to sustain, the South Carolina House of Representatives takes great pleasure in commending the efforts of the Guiles family to maintain family identity and fellowship in their upcoming reunion, to be held in early August 2026; and

 

Whereas, family founder William Samson Guiles was born in the Orum community of Florence County near Pamplico to William Boston Guiles and Ellen (Deas) Guiles. From humble beginnings, Reverend Guiles rose to become a man whose life of faith, labor, and leadership would leave a lasting mark upon his family, church, and community; and

 

Whereas, Reverend Guiles was a man of many callings, serving with diligence as a farmer, businessman, and hallelujah singer while demonstrating a steadfast work ethic, entrepreneurial spirit, and joyful devotion that enriched the lives of those around him; and

 

Whereas, from an early age he devoted himself to service at Mill Branch Church, faithfully fulfilling numerous roles, including that of steward, trustee, Sunday school teacher, superintendent, choir member, and class leader, and in each role exemplifying a life committed to God and the lifting up of others. In answering the call to ministry, he was ordained within the Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, first serving as assistant pastor before assuming pastoral leadership across several congregations within the Florence District of the Northeast Conference, including Johnsonville, New Zion, Claussen, and surrounding communities; and

 

Whereas, his longest and most enduring pastoral service was rendered to the St. Mark and St. Luke Circuit, where for fourteen years he shepherded the congregation with wisdom and unwavering dedication, leaving a spiritual legacy that continued long after his ministry concluded in 1950; and

 

Whereas, Reverend Guiles' influence extended far beyond sanctuary walls, as he actively served the broader Florence community through civic and fraternal leadership as chief of the Joint Stock Lodge and through membership in the Odd Fellows and Mutual Aid of Florence. Thus, he strengthened bonds of support, service, and progress throughout the county; and

 

Whereas, recognized as a pillar within Florence County, W.S. Guiles was also one of the founding members of the Ideal Funeral Parlor and so contributed to an institution that has served the community with dignity and care for generations. In short, through his character, integrity, and leadership, Reverend Guiles earned the respect of his family, his church community, and the citizens of Florence County at large, and he did this across racial lines and social boundaries during a time when such esteem was both significant and uncommon; and

 

Whereas, the continued gathering of his descendants and loved ones stands as living evidence of the roots he planted, the values he instilled, and the family legacy he helped establish for future generations. The 2026 W.S. Guiles Family Reunion presents a fitting opportunity to celebrate the life of a patriarch whose contributions helped shape the spiritual, civic, and familial fabric of Florence County; and

 

Whereas, the House is grateful for the legacy of the Guiles family and wishes its members much happiness as they experience the blessings of their upcoming family reunion. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, congratulate the Guiles family members on their faithfulness in renewing family ties by continuing to gather, commend their commitment to family as they celebrate their upcoming August 2026 reunion, and declare August 1, 2026, as "W.S. Guiles Day" in South Carolina in honor of the family founder.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the Guiles Family Reunion.

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