Bill Text: SC H5485 | 2021-2022 | 124th General Assembly | Introduced
Bill Title: John Wesley United Methodist Church, 157th anniversary
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Republican 79-43)
Status: (Passed) 2022-08-31 - Introduced and adopted [H5485 Detail]
Download: South_Carolina-2021-H5485-Introduced.html
A HOUSE RESOLUTION
TO RECOGNIZE AND CONGRATULATE JOHN WESLEY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF LAMAR ON THE OCCASION OF ITS HISTORIC ONE HUNDRED FIFTY-SEVENTH ANNIVERSARY AND TO COMMEND THE CHURCH FOR ITS MANY YEARS OF SERVICE TO GOD AND THE COMMUNITY.
Whereas, having been founded in 1865, John Wesley United Methodist Church of Lamar is celebrating its historic one hundred fifty-seventh anniversary in 2022; and
Whereas, in 1865, the first congregation of what came to be known as John Wesley United Methodist Church worshipped under a bush arbor until such time as a building could be constructed. In 1866, this building was erected on the highway from Lisbon (now Lamar) and the Old Cartersville Road (now Main Street). The denomination was Methodist Episcopal, the church was identified as John Wesley Colored Methodist Episcopal Church, and the pastor was John Boston, who also served in the South Carolina Legislature (1868-1870, 1872-1874). John Boston is buried in the John Wesley Cemetery; and
Whereas, over the years, the church was shepherded by many godly pastors and underwent many changes, including the purchase of land, the building of a parsonage, and the donation of land to start a school. John Wesley United Methodist Church was connected with Sandy Grove Methodist Church. John Wesley held services on the first and third Sundays, while Sandy Grove held services on the second and fourth Sundays. On fifth Sundays, the churches worshipped together; and
Whereas, during the 1950s and 1960s, the church was renovated. A brick veneer and new pews were added, an organ was purchased, and a heating system was installed; and
Whereas, the 1970s and 1980s brought about changes: John Wesley and Sandy Grove were united with Ebenezer United Methodist Church to form the Lamar-Ebenezer Charge. Stained glass windows were added to the sanctuary, and a fellowship hall was consecrated. A bus was purchased to provide transportation for the church and the community. In 1990, the church mortgage was burned; and
Whereas, John Wesley moved in 2012 from its original location to a new building located at 310 Davis Street. Today, the church continues to minister to its congregation and the Lamar community and has plans for continued growth; and
Whereas, by God's grace, John Wesley United Methodist's congregation, having weathered the storms and triumphantly celebrated the victories the years have brought, continues to pass on a rich heritage of faith; and
Whereas, presently led by Pastor Elbert Williams and still trusting in God, the church will hold a special celebration of its milestone one hundred fifty-seventh anniversary on Sunday, September 4, 2022; and
Whereas, John Wesley United Methodist Church has been a beacon of light and a community worship center in the Lamar area for over a century and a half, 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:
That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and congratulate John Wesley United Methodist Church of Lamar on the occasion of its historic one hundred fifty-seventh anniversary and commend the church for its many years of service to God and the community.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to John Wesley United Methodist Church of Lamar.
