S 1017

South Carolina General Assembly
126th Session, 2025-2026
Bill 1017
Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter
(Text matches printed bills. Document has been reformatted to meet World Wide Web specifications.)
A senate RESOLUTION
TO CONGRATULATE St. Peter AME Church UPON THE dedication
of its historical marker AND TO COMMEND the church FOR ITS MANY YEARS OF
DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE PEOPLE AND THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA.
Whereas, the members of
the South Carolina Senate are pleased to recognize St. Peter AME Church as it
celebrates this important milestone; and
Whereas, St. Peter AME
Church was established by five former enslaved people, Peter Caldwell, Henry
Glover, Albert Pauling, Elijah Robinson, and F. W. Williams, who shared a
vision and determination to create a place of worship. They purchased a parcel
of land from Thomas Ulmer for the modest sum of eight dollars. At that time,
the land belonged to Orangeburg County, and the deed was officially recorded on
August 4, 1881; and
Whereas, though
Caldwell, Glover, Pauling, Robinson, and Williams became the first trustees of
the church, financial difficulties prevented them from realizing their dream of
erecting a church building. In the beginning, the church body held services in
a bush harbor, an informal setting that reflected the limited resources
available to them; and
Whereas, the first
pastor of the organized congregation was the Reverend Adam Williams. His
successor, Reverend W. M. McDuffie, worked relentlessly alongside his
parishioners to bring their vision to life. Their hard work paid off when the
construction of the church was finally completed in July of 1906; and
Whereas, the mission of
St. Peter was twofold: alongside the church, a school was built on the premises
to serve as the first educational institution for African American children in
Calhoun County. Professor Andrew Black, who also played an educational role
during the church's bush harbor days, served as the principal and head teacher
until his passing in 1942; and
Whereas, over the
years, St. Peter has been blessed with many remarkable pastors, including
Reverend B. F. Hildebrand, B. F. Sumter, J. S. Hunter, and W. J. Baxter, the
latter of whom also served as a Presiding Elder. The church has undergone
significant modernization, both spiritually and materially. Under the guidance
of Reverend E. O. Vance, the original building was brick veneered, while during
Reverend Baxter's leadership, the church was refurbished with new stained-glass
windows, the purchase of its first organ, and the installation of a phonics
system; and
Whereas, Reverend
Virginia Stith oversaw the re-roofing of the church, and Reverend Saint Julian
Snider managed renovations of the Educational Complex, transforming the Senior
Classroom into the W. D. Shepard Conference Room to honor a pastor who greatly
contributed to the church building fund. Additionally, Sister Ethel Joseph,
president of the St. Peter AME Church of New York Club, generously donated a
new steeple; and
Whereas, in 2016, St.
Peter's faced damage from inclement weather. Following the prayers and
determination of church members, including David Glivens, Howard Jackson, Carl
Simmons, and Gladys Simmons, and with the support of Reverend Fair and
permission from Bishop Samuel L. Green, a new church was erected in January
2020 on land donated by Cora B. Black and her daughters. Reverend Fair,
followed by Reverend Curry and then Reverend Larry J. Nelson, faithfully led
the church until being succeeded by Reverend Virgil Hammett; and
Whereas, as of August
16, 2025, the historical significance of St. Peter AME Church and School is
acknowledged through the extensive research and dedicated effort of Pastor
Virgil Hammett, Howard Jackson, Andrea Moore, Andrew Jackson, Charlene Jenkins,
Christian Snell III, Lesa-Rice Jackson, Mary F. Mack, Stacy Cokely, and
Tresslyn B. Irving. This cherished institution stands as a testament to the
shared heritage of the members of the church congregation, as well as a symbol
of the resilience and contributions of those who forged its path and those who
continue to uphold its mission today; and
Whereas, the dedication
and commitment of St. Peter AME Church to serving the people and the State of
South Carolina is greatly appreciated.  Now, therefore,
Be it resolved:
That St. Peter AME
Church be congratulated upon the dedication of its historical marker and
commended for its many years of dedicated service to the people and the State
of South Carolina.
Be it further resolved
that a copy of this resolution be presented to the pastor of St. Peter AME
Church, Reverend Virgil Hammett.
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This web page was last updated on March 17, 2026 at 12:14 PM