TO CONGRATULATE REVEREND EDWARD J. SQUIRE UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY AS PASTOR OF MOUNT CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH AND TO COMMEND HIM FOR HIS MANY YEARS OF SERVICE TO HIS CONGREGATION AND THE COMMUNITY OF HARTSVILLE.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate are pleased to recognize Reverend Edward J. Squire as he celebrates his twentieth pastoral anniversary; and

Whereas, a native of Society Hill, Reverend Edward J. Squire is the eldest son of Julius E. Squire and the late Charlena Byrd Squire, with seven brothers and one sister. He is an alumnus of Florence-Darlington Technical College, where he majored in radio, television, and electronics. He also attended Morris College School of Religion through its Extension Program in Cheraw; and

Whereas, a veteran of the United States Army, Reverend Squire toured Vietnam from 1967 to 1968 and was stationed in Anchorage, Alaska from 1967 to 1970; and

Whereas, in his career, Reverend Squire worked in management with Galey and Lord and as an assistant manager for the Eckerd's Drug Company. He is currently employed with the Darlington County Magistrate Office; and

Whereas, Reverend Squire accepted the call to preach the gospel in 1990 at his home church, Bethesda Baptist Church, where he has been a lifelong member and has worked as a trustee, deacon, Sunday School Superintendent, and treasurer. He was later licensed and ordained by the Pee Dee Baptist Association and has served as pastor of Macedonia Baptist Church and Mount Calvary Baptist Church; and

Whereas, as pastor of Mount Calvary, Reverend Squire has served since 1999. Under his leadership, the church has been active in community outreach and has worked to improve its building and facilities. Reverend Squire was instrumental in the organization of Mount Calvary Tabernacle Choir and in the founding of the Saturday morning hour P.U.S.H., or "Pray Until Something Happens"; and

Whereas, an active leader in his community, Reverend Squire has served as the first vice moderator for the Darlington County Education Missionary Union, Councilman for the Town of Society Hill, board member for the Darlington County Council on Aging, member of the Pee Dee Baptist Sunday School Board, statistician for the Pee Dee Baptist Association, and board member for Director Care of South Carolina, Inc.; and

Whereas, he is married to Barbara L. James, and together, they have two sons, Edward and Michael, and four grandchildren; and

Whereas, in his free time, Reverend Squire enjoys reading, making repairs, talking with others, and entertaining his grandchildren; and

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate appreciate the ministry of Reverend Edward J. Squire and his service to Mount Calvary Baptist Church and the community of Hartsville. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate:

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, congratulate Reverend Edward J. Squire upon the occasion of his twentieth anniversary as pastor of Mount Calvary Baptist Church and commend him for his many years of service to his congregation and the community of Hartsville.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Reverend Edward J. Squire.