A senate rESOLUTION

 

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR the members and leadership of Triune United Methodist Church, formerly bethlehem united methodist and Mount Nebo United methodist churches, upon the occasion of their merger.

 

Whereas, Bethlehem United Methodist Church and Mount Nebo United Methodist Church will celebrate the merger of their two church bodies on August 10, 2025; and

 

Whereas, Bethlehem United Methodist Church was founded in 1868, just five years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed and three years after the Civil War ended. Mr. Prince S. Murph led the charge in acquiring the land on which Bethlehem stands; and

 

Whereas, the African Americans of the community had a monumental task ahead of them after emancipation: the building of their new lives. This work included the reuniting of families, the establishment of careers, and the move toward living as citizens instead of as enslaved persons. The formation of systems of faith was essential to the building of these new lives; and

 

Whereas, Bethlehem has gone through many changes during its history, including its notable congregational growth and the addition and expansion of its buildings; and

 

Whereas, today's United Methodist Church is the product of denominational splits and mergers over the past two hundred-some years. At one time, Bethlehem was the only United Methodist church in the area; and

 

Whereas, Bethlehem's sister church, Mount Nebo United Methodist Church, was founded in 1888 as Mount Nebo Methodist Episcopal Church; and

 

Whereas, the land for Mount Nebo was given to Mrs. Elizabeth Gaffney Duncan's father, Alex Gaffney, in 1888. The church began as a Bush Harbor, then a tent, and later a church building. This building was destroyed in a fire and later rebuilt; and

 

Whereas, in the 1950s, Mount Nebo became part of the Orangeburg Circuit with Bethlehem, St. Stephens, and St. John; and

 

Whereas, in May of 2025, after much prayer, deliberation, and collaboration with Bethlehem United Methodist Church, Mount Nebo decided to merge with Bethlehem. On June 25, 2025, the two churches together took on the name of Triune United Methodist Church; and

 

Whereas, the members and leadership of Bethlehem United Methodist and Mount Nebo United Methodist churches have shown great faith and diligence in shaping and serving the people and the State of South Carolina.  Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the Senate:

 

That the members of the South Carolina Senate recognize and honor the members and leadership of Triune United Methodist Church, formerly Bethlehem United Methodist and Mount Nebo United Methodist churches, upon the occasion of their merger.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the leadership of Triune United Methodist Church.

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