TO HONOR THE REVEREND DR. JAMES W. ABRAMS, JR., PASTOR OF ST. JAMES BAPTIST CHURCH IN HOPKINS, ON THE OCCASION OF HIS THIRTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF GOSPEL MINISTRY AT ST. JAMES AND TO WISH HIM GOD'S RICHEST BLESSINGS AS HE CONTINUES TO SERVE THE LORD.

Whereas, it is with great pleasure that the South Carolina Senate honors those individuals who give tirelessly of themselves to succor the souls of men; and

Whereas, Dr. James W. Abrams, Jr., pastor of St. James Baptist Church in Hopkins, stands among their number as an outstanding minister of the Gospel, one much admired by colleagues, congregation, and area residents at large; and

Whereas, born to Deacon James W. Abrams, Sr., and Mrs. Beulah R. Abrams, the Reverend Dr. James W. Abrams, Jr., came into this world on September 29, 1949, in Richland County. He was the fourth of five children: three sisters, Faye Ann (Abrams) Holland, Beverly Jane (Abrams) Hart, and the late Vivian Abrams, as well as one brother, Willie James Abrams, Sr.; and

Whereas, having graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in Columbia, the young James earned an associate degree from the University of South Carolina in commercial science and a bachelor's degree in general studies with an emphasis in real estate and finance. In 1990, he received his master of divinity from Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary in Columbia, and in 2008 he received his doctorate in ministry from Hood Theological Seminary in Salisbury, North Carolina; and

Whereas, for three decades, Dr. Abrams has served as the esteemed pastor of St. James Baptist Church. In addition, he was a clinical chaplain with the South Carolina Department of Corrections at Walden Correctional Institution for twenty-four years. He has been a member of the College of Pastoral Supervision and Psychotherapy and diplomate supervisor of clinical pastoral education for eleven years; and

Whereas, to honor him at this very special time in his life, colleagues, congregation, and other friends celebrated Dr. Abrams at his thirtieth pastoral banquet on Saturday, September 24, 2016, followed by an anniversary service on Sunday, September 25, 2016; and

Whereas, Dr. Abrams considers it one of the greatest triumphs of his life that he was able to persuade the lovely Marilyn Hudgens, also of Columbia, to become his wife. They are the proud parents of two children, James W. (Rashanda Hill) Abrams III and Shayla Melissa Abrams. Dr. and Mrs. Abrams also delight in their three charming grandchildren, James IV ("Jay"), Holland Grace, and Tylen Hill; and

Whereas, the Senate, cognizant of his many years of spiritual nourishment of the people of South Carolina, wishes to express its grateful thanks to Dr. Abrams and wish him God's best as he continues to run the race the Lord has set before him. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate:

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, honor the Reverend Dr. James W. Abrams, Jr., pastor of St. James Baptist Church in Hopkins, on the occasion of his thirtieth anniversary of Gospel ministry at St. James and wish him God's richest blessings as he continues to serve the Lord.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Dr. James W. Abrams, Jr.