A house RESOLUTION

 

to celebrate the joyous occasion of the one hundred eightieth anniversary of the Mount Calvary Presbyterian Church and to congratulate its pastor, the Reverend Richard M. Thomas, and the church's congregation for years of dedicated service to walnut grove. 

 

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives is pleased to learn that Mount Calvary Presbyterian Church of Walnut Grove will celebrate one hundred eighty years of ministry on Sunday, August 23, 2026; and

 

Whereas, Mount Calvary Presbyterian Church was organized on August 23, 1846, by the Reverend C.B. Stewart in the home of Mr. and Mrs. James Nesbit near Rogers Bridge on the Tyger River in lower Spartanburg County, with six charter members.  Some of their descendants still reside in the area and remain members of Mount Calvary; and

 

Whereas, on October 2, 1846, Mount Calvary Presbyterian Church was enrolled in the Presbytery of South Carolina; and

 

Whereas, for its first four years, the congregation faithfully gathered for worship in the open air and in the Nesbit home before constructing its first church building through the dedication and sacrifice of its members, which served as their house of worship for thirty-five years; and

 

Whereas, the congregation continued to grow in faith and service, constructing and dedicating successive houses of worship in 1882 and 1905, while being served by faithful ministers who proclaimed the gospel and shepherded the congregation; and

 

Whereas, despite challenges and trials, including the destruction of its church building by lightning on August 7, 1963, the congregation remained steadfast and completed construction of a new sanctuary, which was dedicated on August 26, 1966; and

 

Whereas, in 1973, Mount Calvary Presbyterian Church united with the Presbyterian Church in America, affirming its commitment to the authority of scripture and the historic reformed faith; and

 

Whereas, the congregation continued to expand its ministry through the construction of the Family Life Center, the enlargement of its sanctuary, the enhancement of facilities for youth and families, and the planting of Grace Presbyterian Church in Spartanburg; and

 

Whereas, Mount Calvary Presbyterian Church has faithfully extended the gospel through outreach ministries, including the establishment of Iglesia Presbiteriana Monte Calvario, serving the Spanish-speaking community; and

 

Whereas, the church has been blessed by the faithful leadership and service of its pastors, elders, deacons, staff, and members throughout its history, including the ministries of Reverend Richard M. Thomas, Reverend Justin J. Kendrick, Reverend James F. Stephenson, and Reverend Andrew D. Hane; and

 

Whereas, for one hundred eighty years, Mount Calvary Presbyterian Church has sought to glorify God through the worship of Jesus Christ, the proclamation of His word, the administration of the sacraments, Christian discipleship, and service to its community and beyond; and

 

Whereas, the House of Representatives commends Mount Calvary Presbyterian Church in Walnut Grove for eighteen decades of ministry and service to the community and extends warmest congratulations on the occasion of the church's historic anniversary.  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 eightieth anniversary of Mount Calvary Presbyterian Church and congratulate its pastor, the Reverend Richard M. Thomas, and the church's congregation for years of dedicated service to Walnut Grove. 

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Reverend Richard M. Thomas.  

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