A house RESOLUTION

TO HONOR DR. GEORGE FRANCIS FLOWERS, FORMER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH DEPARTMENT OF GLOBAL WITNESS AND MINISTRY, FOR A LIFETIME OF DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE AME CHURCHES OF SOUTH CAROLINA AND BEYOND AND TO WISH HIM MUCH CONTINUED BLESSING AND FULFILLMENT IN THE DAYS AHEAD AS HE ENJOYS A WELL-EARNED RETIREMENT.

Whereas, it is with much pleasure that the South Carolina House of Representatives recognizes those individuals who give tirelessly of themselves to the welfare of this great state's citizenry. Having spent his life serving others, both within the Palmetto State and far beyond its boundaries, Dr. George Francis Flowers exemplifies such South Carolinians; and

Whereas, born in Columbia to Christopher Flowers, Sr., and Georgianna Jenkins Flowers, George Francis Flowers completed his early education in the public schools of his hometown. As part of further preparation for his life's work, the young George received his bachelor's degree at Allen University in Columbia, his master's degree in divinity from Interdenominational Theological Seminary in Atlanta, Georgia, and his doctorate in ministry from Boston School of Theology in Massachusetts; and

Whereas, during the period from 1959 to 1962, he felt called to preach and served as a student assistant. He began his ministry at Rock Hill Mission in Columbia, where he served as pastor from 1963 to 1967. Over the years, he pastored at several other South Carolina churches, from Weston Chapel African American Episcopal (AME) Church to Williams Chapel AME in Orangeburg, with intervening service as a U.S. Army chaplain (captain). In 2000, he took up his duties as the first executive director of the AME Church Department of Global Witness and Ministry, retiring from that high post after twenty-one years of distinguished service; and

Whereas, Dr. Flowers has always believed strongly in personal involvement with his community, and his convictions have led him to serve that community and beyond in several capacities. These include service with the Reid House of Christian Service in Charleston (executive director), Housing Authority of the City of Charleston, Trident United Way, AME Church General Board (twelve years), and World Methodist Conference, among other organizations. More recently, he has served with the World Methodist Conference and National Council of Churches of Christ, USA. He is also a life member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.; and

Whereas, in recognition of his spirit of excellence and dedicated service, Dr. Flowers has been granted various honors, including the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Man of the Year award and the prestigious Order of the Palmetto, the highest civilian award bestowed by the State of South Carolina; and

Whereas, Dr. Flowers finds strength for his labors in the strong support of his family: his beautiful wife, Phoenicia Brown Flowers; and their three children, Niko Gabriel Flowers, George Francis Flowers, Jr., and Martyn Lloyd Flowers; and

Whereas, the members of the House of Representatives recognize that the success of the State of South Carolina, the strength of its communities, and the vitality of American society as a whole depend, in great measure, upon the dedication of individuals like Dr. George Francis Flowers who use their talents and resources to serve others. Gratefully, the House acknowledges Dr. Flowers' invaluable contributions to this great State and extends to him best wishes for a most contented retirement. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, honor Dr. George Francis Flowers, former executive director of the African Methodist Episcopal Church Department of Global Witness and Ministry, for a lifetime of dedicated service to the AME churches of South Carolina and beyond and wish him much continued blessing and fulfillment in the days ahead as he enjoys a well-earned retirement.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Dr. George Francis Flowers.

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