A house RESOLUTION

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE PASTOR AND CONGREGATION OF BEAVER DAM BAPTIST CHURCH IN MARLBORO COUNTY AND TO CONGRATULATE THEM FOR THEIR HISTORY OF MORE THAN ONE HUNDRED THIRTY-FIVE YEARS AS THEY CELEBRATE THEIR 2023 HOMECOMING.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives are pleased to learn that Beaver Dam First Baptist Church will celebrate its 2023 homecoming on Sunday, March 26, 2023; and

Whereas, founded in 1887, Beaver Dam Baptist Church is located in McColl.  The First Baptist Church of McColl donated the building, and the church's first recorded deed for one-half acre of land was in September 1899.  The church's trustees then were Eli Willis, Hugh L. McLaurin, and W. P. Lester; and

Whereas, the original building burned in 1962 and was rebuilt in 1963 under the pastoral leadership of Reverend R. M. Thompson when the members of the deacon board included J. W. Rogers as chairman, C.W. Bethea, Roman Williams, John Odom, and Lewis Wright; and

Whereas, former pastors of the church include Reverend Monroe, Reverend McFadden, Reverend  Robinson, Reverend David, Reverend Gibson, Reverend Thompson, Reverend B. L. Lattaker, and Reverend Bethea; and

Whereas, the church's current pastor is Dr. Deborah Covington, who was installed as pastor on September 23, 2016.  Associate ministers include Evangelist Estella Joyner, Reverend Elizabeth Bridges, Minister Elinda Peguese, and Minister Crystal Peguese.  The deacons who served under Pastor Covington were the late Deacon Willie DeVaughn and the late Deacon Melvin McLaurin, and current deacons include Aaron Joyner as chairman, Evans Bridges, Cliff Adams, and James Covington; and

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives appreciate the ministry of Beaver Dam Baptist Church to the congregation and to the community and wish the church family every blessing upon the celebration of the 2023 homecoming and many years of continued service to the Lord.  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 honor the pastor and congregation of Beaver Dam Baptist Church in Marlboro County and congratulate them for their history of more than one hundred thirty-five years as they celebrate their 2023 homecoming.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Pastor Dr. Deborah Covington.

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