A house RESOLUTION

 

TO CONGRATULATE SAINT PAUL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH ON THE OCCASION OF ITS ONE HUNDRED FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY FOR A CENTURY AND A HALF OF SERVICE TO GOD AND THE COMMUNITY.

 

Whereas, Saint Paul United Methodist Church was founded in 1876 in Kingstree, under the leadership of Reverend Gamble, beginning as a congregation that worshiped in homes and later under a shed on the Burgess property; and

 

Whereas, on May 28, 1880, the church purchased approximately one acre of land, where a wooden structure was erected and named Saint Paul Methodist Episcopal Church; and

 

Whereas, the congregation continued to grow and faithfully served the community, constructing larger facilities in 1907 and 1946, while emphasizing Christian faith, education, service, and leadership; and

 

Whereas, Saint Paul played an important role in providing educational opportunities for African American children through Cane Branch Elementary School and Saint Paul Elementary School, helping prepare generations of servant leaders, including Dr. Henry N. Tisdale, former President of Claflin University; and

 

Whereas, Saint Paul experienced significant denominational changes, becoming Saint Paul Methodist Church in 1939 and Saint Paul United Methodist Church in 1968, and became part of the unified South Carolina Conference in 1972 following the end of racially divided conferences; and

 

Whereas, the congregation established and sustained ministries, including choirs, youth and children's ministries, education, community outreach, and leadership development, with faithful members such as Mrs. Willar Mae Tisdale making significant contributions to the life and ministry of the church; and

 

Whereas, Saint Paul purchased additional property for a cemetery and future development and, in 1992, constructed its present church facility, which was consecrated on January 17, 1993, under the leadership of Reverend John A. Sellers; and

 

Whereas, throughout the years, Saint Paul has remained resilient in the face of challenges, including the devastation of Hurricane Hazel in 1954 and the COVID-19 pandemic, during which the congregation continued worship, prayer, Bible study, outreach, and ministry through the use of technology and other means; and

 

Whereas, during the COVID-19 closure, Saint Paul completed extensive renovations and improvements to its facility, including upgraded sound and security systems, expanded online giving, and partnered with the Medical University of South Carolina to provide COVID-19 vaccination clinics to the community; and

 

Whereas, Saint Paul has continued to expand its ministry and leadership, including sending forth members called into ordained ministry, supporting community outreach initiatives, and constructing a new parsonage at 104 Alice McCrea Road, completed in 2024; and

 

Whereas, under the leadership of its pastors, lay leaders, trustees, officers, and faithful members, Saint Paul United Methodist Church has served as a beacon of faith, hope, education, fellowship, and community service for one hundred fifty years; and

 

Whereas, presently led by the Reverend Jerry Gadsden, the church will celebrate its one hundred fiftieth anniversary from October 16-18, 2026, under the theme, "Celebrating 150 years of God's amazing faithfulness: Reflecting on our past, rejoicing in the present, and walking by faith into the future"; and

 

Whereas, Saint Paul United Methodist Church has been a beacon of light and a community worship center in the Kingstree area for one hundred fifty 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, congratulate Saint Paul United Methodist Church on the occasion of its one hundredth fiftieth anniversary for a century and a half of service to God and the community.

 

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

----XX----