A concurrent RESOLUTION

TO CONGRATULATE THE PASTOR AND CONGREGATION OF FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF SUMTER, TO COMMEND THEM FOR TWO HUNDRED YEARS OF FAITH AND DISTINGUISHED SERVICE TO OUR STATE, AND TO EXTEND BEST WISHES FOR CONTINUED SUCCESS IN THE YEARS TO COME.

Whereas, having organized on May 29, 1823, in Sumterville, South Carolina, First Presbyterian Church of Sumter is one of Sumter County's oldest churches; and

Whereas, First Presbyterian Church welcomes all, cares for all, and reaches out to a world in need while glorifying God forever.  For two hundred years, the First Presbyterian Church has provided a welcoming home for worship and prayer to Sumter community members, and approximately five thousand Sumter citizens have been members of the First Presbyterian Church during that time; and

Whereas, First Presbyterian Church is a product of the Scots-Irish Presbyterian congregations established in the South Carolina Backcountry during the Colonial era and whose pastors and parishioners helped found this State and nation; and

Whereas, the sanctuary of the First Presbyterian Church, dedicated in 1907 and in the Georgian Revival style, is open to all and is one of the landmarks of downtown Sumter; and

Whereas, First Presbyterian was instrumental in establishing four new churches in the Sumter area, and in 1995, the church pledged forty thousand dollars to help build a sanctuary on North Main Street for New Covenant Presbyterian Church, a newly relocated African American Presbyterian church; and

Whereas, First Presbyterian Church helped to establish several local charitable organizations, including the Covenant Place retirement community, the local Habitat for Humanity, the Emergency Shelter/Samaritan House, and Sumter United Ministries.   Members of First Presbyterian Church have donated untold amounts of time and money over the past two hundred years to local, regional, and international charities; and

Whereas, part of the foundation of the mission at First Presbyterian Church is to reach out to a world in need.  Church members have participated in mission programs in Sumter, throughout the United States, and around the world, including Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Peru, and the congregation supports four global missionaries in Taiwan, Ethiopia, South Asia, and Costa Rica; and

Whereas, First Presbyterian Church has supported such programs as Samaritans Purse, Backpack Blessing Ministry, the Souper Bowl of Caring, the Cinderella Dress Project, the Prayer Shawl Ministry, and the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts; and

Whereas, First Presbyterian Church's Preschool and Kindergarten Program has positively affected thousands of Sumter's children since it began in 1957; and

Whereas, the music ministry of First Presbyterian Church, including the Chancel Choir, Children's Choir, Joy Ringers, and instrumental music, often backed by the fifty-one-rank Schantz pipe organ, has lifted hearts throughout the Sumter community; and

Whereas, First Presbyterian members are committed to affirming the dignity and humanity of every person, and they strive to create a welcoming environment for all.  The church's mission is to know Christ and make him known by living faithfully, worshiping joyfully, and serving gladly.  Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:

That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, congratulate the pastor and congregation of First Presbyterian Church of Sumter, commend them for two hundred years of faith and distinguished service to our State, and extend best wishes for continued success in the years to come.

Be it further resolved that the copy of this resolution be presented to the First Presbyterian Church of Sumter.

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