A House RESOLUTION

 

to celebrate Pastor Sammie D. Simmons on the occasion of his birthday, to recognize August 30, 2026, as "Sammie D. Simmons Day" in South Carolina, and to honor him for his unwavering dedication, visionary leadership, and steadfast commitment to advancing the Kingdom of God.

 

Whereas, Pastor Sammie D. Simmons has faithfully answered God's call to ministry, exemplifying the Scripture, "Many are called, but few are chosen," through devoted service, visionary leadership, and unwavering commitment to the Kingdom of God; and

 

Whereas, since 1994, Pastor Simmons has served as senior pastor of St. Mark Four Bridges Missionary Baptist Church in Sumter, and Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church in Lynchburg, providing spiritual leadership, discipleship, worship, and community outreach; and  

 

Whereas, he has served as moderator emeritus of the Wateree Baptist Association Lower Division, providing guidance and leadership to more than twenty-five churches throughout the region; and

 

Whereas, Pastor Simmons has demonstrated a deep commitment to community development as president of the Four Bridges Community Development Corporation, supporting youth, families, senior adults, workforce development, education, and life-skills training.  His commitment to the next generation is unwavering; and

 

Whereas, his commitment to community has been widely recognized, including his invitation from the National Council of Negro Women to offer the opening and closing prayers at the groundbreaking ceremony for Mary McLeod Bethune Park in Mayesville; and

 

Whereas, his leadership has resulted in significant ministry and community accomplishments, including the development of worship facilities, acquisition of a major community facility, and expansion of outreach ministries serving the surrounding community; and

 

Whereas, Pastor Simmons has extended his ministry internationally through missionary service in the Republic of Benin, West Africa, helping provide clean water, medical services, education, and spiritual support to communities in need; and

 

Whereas, Pastor Simmons has demonstrated exceptional vision and stewardship through transformational building and development projects, including the construction of a state-of-the-art worship facility for St. Mark Four Bridges Missionary Baptist Church in 2000, valued at more than $500,000 and fully paid within seven years through faithful stewardship and sacrificial giving; and

 

Whereas, in 2006, he led the acquisition of a 936,000-square-foot facility valued at more than $1.7 million, which serves as the headquarters of the Four Bridges Community Development Corporation and supports numerous outreach ministries that benefit families and communities throughout the surrounding area; and

 

Whereas, through his missionary endeavors, he has helped provide clean drinking water through the construction of a freshwater well, supported the establishment of a medical facility, and contributed to the development of a school addressing the healthcare and educational needs of local families; and

 

Whereas, Pastor Simmons is supported in his life and ministry by his devoted wife, First Lady Shirby J. China Simmons, their four children, and thirteen grandchildren; and

 

Whereas, Pastor Simmons gratefully acknowledges the influence and legacy of his parents, the late Loris Simmons and the late William P. Simmons, whose faith, vision, and example helped prepare him for God's divine calling upon his life; and

 

Whereas, his ministry continues to touch countless lives through biblical teaching, community engagement, missionary service, servant leadership, and a demonstrated commitment to meeting both the spiritual and practical needs of others.  Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, congratulate Pastor Sammie D. Simmons on the occasion of his birthday, recognize August 30, 2026, as "Sammie D. Simmons Day" in South Carolina, and honor him for his unwavering dedication, visionary leadership, and steadfast commitment to advancing the Kingdom of God. 

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Pastor Sammie D. Simmons.