A house RESOLUTION

TO HONOR PASTOR EDDIE W. DAVIS OF LITTLE ZION BAPTIST CHURCH IN COLUMBIA ON THE OCCASION OF HIS FORTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF GOSPEL MINISTRY AT LITTLE ZION AND TO EXTEND TO HIM BEST WISHES FOR GOD'S RICHEST BLESSINGS AS HE CONTINUES TO SERVE THE LORD.

Whereas, it is entirely appropriate to honor those individuals who give tirelessly of themselves to nurture the souls of men. Pastor Eddie W. Davis of Little Zion Baptist Church in Columbia stands among their number as an outstanding minister of the gospel, one much admired by colleagues, congregations, and area residents at large; and

Whereas, a native of Hopkins and a graduate of Hopkins High School, Eddie W. Davis also graduated from the Insurance Adjuster's Institute of Miami and from Morris College, where he received a bachelor's degree in theology. Further theological studies followed at Columbia Bible College, now known as Columbia International University. On March 20, 1983, Pastor Davis began his ministry at Little Zion, having been licensed and ordained at Mount Moriah Baptist Church in Hopkins; and

Whereas, under the leadership of Pastor Davis, the church has advanced greatly over the years through his strong beliefs in the power of prayer, study, teaching, and preaching, as well as through the enhancement and organization of numerous ministries, including a childcare center, outreach to nursing homes, foreign missions, and a ministry of feeding the homeless. Outside the doors of Little Zion, Pastor Davis is a founder and past president of the Midlands Coalition of Churches, former chair of the Commission of Education for the Gethsemane Baptist Association and a former member of its executive board. This servant-leader is also a founding member and former president and vice president of the Blythewood Ministerial Alliance. The founder and president of the Men of Hope Initiative, which mentors and supports underprivileged children, he has served on various civic and community councils. Further, he is a proud veteran of the United States Air Force and former member of the South Carolina Air National Guard; and

Whereas, in recognition of his outstanding service and leadership both locally and throughout the State, Eddie Davis has received numerous awards, among them the naming of a portion of Winnsboro Road (State Highway 321) in his honor. Little Zion's members will celebrate Pastor Davis's long service to the church and community and his fortieth anniversary as Little Zion's pastor with a banquet on Saturday, March 18, 2023, and a special worship service on Sunday, March 19, 2023; and

Whereas, Pastor Davis considers it one of the greatest triumphs of his life that he was able to persuade the lovely Monica A. Davis to become his wife. They have been blessed with a blended family of six children and nine grandchildren; and

Whereas, because of his many years of spiritual nourishment of the people of South Carolina, Eddie Davis is due grateful thanks and best wishes as he continues to run the race the Lord has set before him. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, honor Pastor Eddie W. Davis of Little Zion Baptist Church in Columbia on the occasion of his fortieth anniversary of gospel ministry at Little Zion and extend to him best wishes for God's richest blessings as he continues to serve the Lord.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Pastor Eddie W. Davis.

----XX----