A senate RESOLUTION

TO CONGRATULATE Pastor EDDIE W. DAVIS UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS fortieth ANNIVERSARY AS PASTOR OF Little Zion Baptist Church AND TO COMMEND HIM FOR HIS MANY YEARS OF SERVICE TO HIS CONGREGATION AND to THE Blythewood COMMUNITY.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate are pleased to recognize Pastor Eddie W. Davis upon the occasion of his fortieth pastoral anniversary on March 20, 2023; and

Whereas, a native of Hopkins, Pastor Davis was born to parents Deacon Jerry Davis and Mrs. Annis (Canty) Davis, the eleventh of the thirteen Davis children. He attended the public schools of South Carolina and graduated from Hopkins High School; and

Whereas, Pastor Davis is a graduate of the Insurance Adjuster's Institute of Miami, Florida, and of Morris College in Sumter, where he received his Bachelor of Theology Degree. He has also done further theological studies at Columbia Bible College (presently Columbia International University); and

Whereas, on March 20, 1983, Pastor Davis accepted the call to Little Zion coming from his home church, Mount Moriah Baptist Church in Hopkins, where he was licensed and ordained under the leadership of Rev. Blakely Scott; and

Whereas, under the leadership of Pastor Davis, the spiritual growth of the Little Zion congregation progressed due to his strong beliefs in the power of prayer, study, teaching, and preaching. The church has advanced greatly over the years through the enhancement and organization of numerous ministries that benefit and accommodate the needs of the community, including creating a childcare center, performing outreach to nursing homes, engaging in foreign mission, and feeding the homeless; and

Whereas, Pastor Davis believes in breaking new ground and expanding the spiritual horizons of the church. In addition to the licensing of the first female ministers, he also appointed the first female Sunday School Superintendent in 2003. In 2005, the church elected its first female trustees. In 2008, the three women assumed the roles of chairperson, co-chairperson, and secretary, respectively; and

Whereas, a civic leader, Pastor Davis is one of the founders and past president of the Midlands Coalition of Churches and is currently the only surviving original member. He is the former Chairman of the Commission of Education for the Gethsemane Baptist Association and a former member of the Executive Board. He is also a founding member and a former president and vice president of the Blythewood Ministerial Alliance; and

Whereas, Pastor Davis is the founder and president of the Men of Hope Initiative, a public foundation through which men mentor and support underprivileged children. In the past several years, the Men of Hope Project has raised over one hundred thousand dollars through its Columbia and Orangeburg chapters and has touched the lives of hundreds of children during its Christmas initiative; and

Whereas, over the years, Pastor Davis has received numerous awards and commendations in recognition of his services and leadership during his forty years as a prominent religious leader in the Blythewood, Winnsboro, and Columbia areas. In 2016, a portion of Winnsboro Road (State Highway 321) was named in his honor; and

Whereas, Pastor Davis is married to First Lady Monica A Davis and together, they have six children and nine grandchildren; and

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate greatly appreciate the ministry of Pastor Eddie W. Davis and his service to Little Zion Baptist Church and the Blythewood community. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate:

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, congratulate Pastor Eddie W. Davis upon the occasion of his fortieth anniversary as pastor of Little Zion Baptist Church and commend him for his many years of service to his congregation and to the Blythewood community.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Pastor Eddie W. Davis.

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