A senate RESOLUTION

 

TO CONGRATULATE Reverend Thurmond Merchison UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS twentieth ANNIVERSARY AS PASTOR OF Friendship Baptist Church AND TO COMMEND HIM FOR HIS MANY YEARS OF SERVICE TO HIS CONGREGATION AND THE St. Matthews COMMUNITY.

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate are pleased to recognize Reverend Thurmond Merchison upon the occasion of his twentieth pastoral anniversary on August 10, 2025; and

 

Whereas, Reverend Merchison was born to the late Deacon Bennie and Deaconess Elsie S. Merchison. He is a graduate of W. J. Keenan High School in Columbia, Morris College School of Religion Extension under the pastoral leadership of Reverend Dr. Blakely N. Scott and Allen University. He learned to care for people from his father, a postman who frequently traveled to visit with and listen to people in need; and

 

Whereas, a veteran of the United States Army, Reverend Merchison received his call from the Lord while stationed at Ft. Lewis, Washington. After an honorable discharge, he returned to Columbia, where he and his family joined the Antioch Baptist Church under the pastoral leadership of Reverend Dr. Albert Aiken Neal. There he served in various capacities, including as a Sunday School teacher; and

 

Whereas, Reverend Merchison was licensed to preach in 1992 and ordained in 1994 at the Antioch Church by the Upper Wateree Association. In 2005, he was officially installed as the pastor of Friendship Baptist Church in St. Matthews; and

 

Whereas, under Reverend Merchison's leadership, the church sanctuary was reconstructed and other modifications were made to the church building. A humble man, he credits all his success in ministry to God; and

 

Whereas, Reverend Merchison is married to the former Mrs. Lynne Scott, and together they have a blended family; and

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate greatly appreciate the ministry of Reverend Merchison and his service to Friendship Baptist Church and the St. Matthews community.  Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the Senate:

 

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, congratulate Reverend Thurmond Merchison upon the occasion of his twentieth anniversary as pastor of Friendship Baptist Church and commend him for his many years of service to his congregation and the St. Matthews community.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Reverend Thurmond Merchison.

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