A concurrent RESOLUTION

TO CONGRATULATE WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF CHARLESTON ON THE OCCASION OF ITS HISTORIC TWO HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY AND TO COMMEND THE CHURCH FOR TWO CENTURIES OF SERVICE TO GOD AND THE COMMUNITY.

Whereas, founded in 1823, Westminster Presbyterian Church of Charleston is celebrating its two hundredth anniversary of gospel ministry in 2023, witnessing to God's redeeming love in Jesus Christ and serving in his name in the South Carolina Lowcountry; and

Whereas, the church began at the corner of Archdale and West streets in the peninsula city as Third Presbyterian Church. Twenty-seven years later, the congregation moved into a newly constructed house of worship at Society and Meeting streets and in 1852 changed the church's name to Central Presbyterian Church; and

Whereas, in 1882, following the death of Dr. William C. Dana, their pastor of forty-five years, reduced in numbers and still struggling in the aftermath of the Civil War and Reconstruction, the members of Central Presbyterian Church merged with Zion Presbyterian Church on Glebe Street and changed the name of the church to Westminster; and

Whereas, the congregation would remain on Meeting Street until 1928, when, under the leadership of Dr. George Nickles, who served Westminster for thirty-five years, the church turned its attention to the residential development proceeding on the western edge of the city. Westminster sold its home on Meeting Street to Trinity United Methodist Church and constructed a new facility at Maverick Street and Rutledge Avenue. Knox Presbyterian Church and Community Presbyterian Church joined Westminster in this new undertaking; and

Whereas, the congregation remained at its Hampton Park location until 1970 when, realizing the potential for a strong Presbyterian presence west of the Ashley, the members united with the vibrant new Covenant Presbyterian Church on Sam Rittenberg Boulevard. In 1974, the new Westminster Presbyterian Church completed new construction that now stands as a visible symbol of its unity in Christ and of its continuing witness and service in the name of Christ in this community; and

Whereas, through times of plenty and want, as well as war and natural disaster, Westminster has faced the future with the faith, hope, and confidence of a people who know that the God who has claimed them and called them also walks with them. It is with that same faith, hope, and confidence that the church again turns to the future, ready to answer God's call to be and to make disciples who love God and love their neighbors; and

Whereas, Westminster Presbyterian Church has been a beacon of light and a community worship center in the Charleston area for two hundred years, and, God willing, will continue its godly heritage for many more years of worship and service. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:

That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, congratulate Westminster Presbyterian Church of Charleston on the occasion of its historic two hundredth anniversary and commend the church for two centuries of service to God and the community.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Westminster Presbyterian Church.

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