TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR HEATH SPRINGS BAPTIST CHURCH IN LANCASTER COUNTY UPON THE CELEBRATION OF THE CHURCH'S ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-SIXTH ANNIVERSARY AND TO CONGRATULATE THE CONGREGATION, PASTOR, AND CHURCH STAFF FOR MORE THAN A CENTURY AND A QUARTER OF SIGNIFICANT MINISTRY IN THEIR COMMUNITY.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives are pleased to learn that Heath Springs Baptist Church will celebrate its one hundred twenty-sixth Founders' Day on Sunday, June 7, 2015, the culmination of the church's yearlong quasquicentennial anniversary; and

Whereas, during the celebratory service, the Southern Gospel quartet King's Cause will provide a mini-concert, and Dr. Richard Harris, the interim executive director of the South Carolina Baptist Convention, will preach the sermon; and

Whereas, the service will include a presentation of the names of former members who have passed away, honoring their contribution to the gospel ministry of Heath Springs Baptist, and will reflect on what God has done in the past, encourage the renewal of old friendships in the present, and anticipate what God will do in the future through this fellowship of believers; and

Whereas, former pastors and deacons of Heath Springs Baptist Church have been invited to join the worship service followed by lunch in the fellowship hall. The congregation will conclude the celebration in front of the church with the dedication of the Legacy Walkway; and

Whereas, in conjunction with this Founders' Day celebration, the congregation will honor the Town of Heath Springs on its one hundred twenty-fifth anniversary; and

Whereas, since their nascent days, Heath Springs Baptist Church and the Town of Heath Springs have enjoyed an intimate and cooperative relationship; and

Whereas, together with the Heath Springs Town Council, the Heath Springs Fire Department, and other civic leaders, the church will celebrate this milestone anniversary; and

Whereas, since 1889, the congregation of Heath Springs Baptist Church has sought to glorify God by making disciples and broadcasting the Good News about Jesus Christ around the world. Supporting the selfless work of missionaries, the faithful Ann Taylor purchased and donated a house that conjoins the church's property that is currently being renovated to serve as The Taylor Mission House for furloughing missionaries and other servants of Christ who need lodging; and

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives celebrates with Heath Springs Baptist Church as a foretaste of that time spoken of by the Apostle John in the Book of Revelations when God "will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the House of Representatives of the State of South Carolina, by this resolution, recognize and honor Heath Springs Baptist Church in Lancaster County upon the celebration of the church's one hundred twenty-sixth anniversary and congratulate the congregation, pastor, and church staff for more than a century and a quarter of significant ministry in their community.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be provided to Dr. Frankie Melton, pastor of Heath Springs Baptist Church.