A house RESOLUTION

TO RECOGNIZE AND CONGRATULATE THE PASTOR AND CONGREGATION OF LOWNDES HILL BAPTIST CHURCH OF GREENVILLE UPON THE OCCASION OF THEIR MOMENTOUS ONE HUNDRED FIFTY-FIRST ANNIVERSARY AND TO COMMEND THEM FOR MORE THAN A CENTURY AND A HALF OF SERVICE TO THEIR GOD AND THEIR COMMUNITY.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives are pleased to learn that Lowndes Hill Baptist Church celebrated its historic one hundred fifty-first anniversary on November 20, 2022; and

Whereas, the church took its name from a local plantation belonging to Mr. and Mrs. Thomas O. Lowndes, Lowndes Hill, which also gave Lowndes Hill Road its name; and

Whereas, founded in 1871, the church's first six members gathered twice a week in a log cabin home under the ministry of Reverend Ansum Fuller. At the beginning they met for worship on Sundays until a prayer meeting was added on Wednesdays; and

Whereas, as membership increased, so did the need for a larger meetinghouse which the congregation built out of slabs, using homemade benches for pews, a wood burning heater for warmth, and kerosene lamps for light. Services were held one Sunday a month; and

Whereas, a new sanctuary was begun in 1889 and dedicated in 1908. A pond was located on the property, where candidates for membership were baptized; and

Whereas, musical instruments in worship were eventually added even though some members initially resisted the idea. Today, the church's choirs include the Chancel Choir, Male Chorus, Gospel Choir, Youth/Sunbeam/Junior Choir, and W. T. Radden Inspirational Choir; and

Whereas, the Ushers' Ministry began in 1907, and the Baptist Young People's Union (B.Y.P.U.) was organized in 1918: and

Whereas, new edifices were constructed, and enlargements of current buildings were completed, according to the congregation's growing needs. When the church was destroyed by fire on February 28, 1952, the Lord enabled the congregation to recover, and on June 19, 1955, Lowndes Hill Baptist Church dedicated a new sanctuary to the glory of God; and

Whereas, under the faithful leadership of its twentieth pastor, Dr. Edward D. Brantley, the church was completely renovated. A homecoming service on Sunday, August 18, 1996, celebrated the completed renovations; and

Whereas, Pastor Brantley has continued to lead the church since then to expand its ministry of preaching and teaching the Word of God. With a growing congregation, the church has added and revamped programs, such as a new members class, prayer service, Bible study, children's church, tape (CD) ministry, deacon's family ministry, Girl Scouts, junior missionary organization, and couples' and singles' ministries; and

Whereas, standing on the faith and vigor of its early pastors and members, the congregation of Lowndes Hill Baptist Church will continue to "press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" and to preach and teach the pure Word of God, while serving one another and the community; and

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives appreciates the outstanding example of Lowndes Hill Baptist Church's godly heritage for one hundred fifty-one years, and the members wish the congregation many more years of worship and service under the devoted leadership of the current pastor, Reverend Dr. Edward D. Brantley. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and congratulate the pastor and congregation of Lowndes Hill Baptist Church of Greenville upon the occasion of their momentous one hundred fifty-first anniversary and commend them for more than a century and a half of service to their God and their community.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Reverend Dr. Edward D. Brantley, pastor of Lowndes Hill Baptist Church.

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