TO CONGRATULATE MAIN STREET UNITED METHODIST CHURCH UPON THE OCCASION OF ITS ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY, TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE CHURCH FOR ITS DEEP HERITAGE IN THE DOWNTOWN COLUMBIA COMMUNITY, AND TO COMMEND ITS LEADERSHIP AND CONGREGATION FOR THEIR MANY YEARS OF SERVICE TO THIS COMMUNITY.
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate are pleased to recognize Main Street United Methodist Church of Columbia as it celebrates this important milestone with special events and functions throughout the year 2021; and
Whereas, Main Street United Methodist Church is one of the oldest Methodist churches in central South Carolina, having been organized in 1848 as a mission of Washington Street United Methodist Church; and
Whereas, the church's first meeting place was in the home of Mr. Louis Pou on Assembly Street, and its first building was a site about two miles from its present location named Marion Street United Methodist Church. The church later moved to its present site in 1898, after their building was lost to fire and renamed themselves Main Street; and
Whereas, over the years, Main Street UMC once boasted the largest United Methodist congregation in South Carolina and hosted the denomination's annual conference. Although membership has declined, Main Street UMC at present was a founding partner of The Cooperative Ministry and has many community partnerships with schools, service organizations, and other churches; and
Whereas, throughout its history, the various church's organizations have worked tirelessly to accomplish many of the goals of the church, having established Virginia Wingard Memorial United Methodist Church in the St. Andrews area; and
Whereas, the church's industrious and generous congregation has enabled the church to grow both spiritually and materially, and to make a number of renovations, additions, and improvements; and
Whereas, in pursuit of the United Methodist Church's mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world, Main Street United Methodist Church welcomes all that come into the church; provides a center for worship, spiritual growth, and fellowship that enables all to live lovingly; and reaches out to its community and the world; and
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate greatly appreciate the ministry of Main Street United Methodist Church and its service to the Columbia community and the State of South Carolina. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate:
That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, congratulate Main Street United Methodist Church upon the occasion of its one hundred and seventy-fifth anniversary, recognize and honor the church for its deep heritage in the downtown Columbia community, and commend its leadership and congregation for their many years of service to this community.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Main Street United Methodist Church.