H 5721

South Carolina General Assembly
126th Session, 2025-2026
Bill 5721
Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter
(Text matches printed bills. Document has been reformatted to meet World Wide Web specifications.)
A house RESOLUTION
to celebrate the joyous occasion of
the one hundred eightieth anniversary of the Mount Calvary Presbyterian Church
and to congratulate its pastor, the Reverend Richard M. Thomas, and the
church's congregation for years of dedicated service to walnut grove.
Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives is pleased to
learn that Mount Calvary Presbyterian Church of Walnut Grove will celebrate one
hundred eighty years of ministry on Sunday, August 23, 2026; and
Whereas, Mount Calvary Presbyterian Church was organized on August
23, 1846, by the Reverend C.B. Stewart in the home of Mr. and Mrs. James Nesbit
near Rogers Bridge on the Tyger River in lower Spartanburg County, with six
charter members.  Some of their descendants still reside in the area and remain
members of Mount Calvary; and
Whereas, on October 2, 1846, Mount Calvary Presbyterian Church was
enrolled in the Presbytery of South Carolina; and
Whereas, for its first four years, the congregation faithfully
gathered for worship in the open air and in the Nesbit home before constructing
its first church building through the dedication and sacrifice of its members,
which served as their house of worship for thirty-five years; and
Whereas, the congregation continued to grow in faith and service,
constructing and dedicating successive houses of worship in 1882 and 1905,
while being served by faithful ministers who proclaimed the gospel and
shepherded the congregation; and
Whereas, despite challenges and trials, including the destruction of
its church building by lightning on August 7, 1963, the congregation remained
steadfast and completed construction of a new sanctuary, which was dedicated on
August 26, 1966; and
Whereas, in 1973, Mount Calvary Presbyterian Church united with the
Presbyterian Church in America, affirming its commitment to the authority of scripture
and the historic reformed faith; and
Whereas, the congregation continued to expand its ministry through
the construction of the Family Life Center, the enlargement of its sanctuary,
the enhancement of facilities for youth and families, and the planting of Grace
Presbyterian Church in Spartanburg; and
Whereas, Mount Calvary Presbyterian Church has faithfully extended
the gospel through outreach ministries, including the establishment of Iglesia
Presbiteriana Monte Calvario, serving the Spanish-speaking community; and
Whereas, the church has been blessed by the faithful leadership and
service of its pastors, elders, deacons, staff, and members throughout its
history, including the ministries of Reverend Richard M. Thomas, Reverend
Justin J. Kendrick, Reverend James F. Stephenson, and Reverend Andrew D. Hane;
and
Whereas, for one hundred eighty years, Mount Calvary Presbyterian
Church has sought to glorify God through the worship of Jesus Christ, the
proclamation of His word, the administration of the sacraments, Christian
discipleship, and service to its community and beyond; and
Whereas, the House of Representatives commends Mount Calvary
Presbyterian Church in Walnut Grove for eighteen decades of ministry and
service to the community and extends warmest congratulations on the occasion of
the church's historic anniversary.  Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of
Representatives:
That the members of the South Carolina House
of Representatives, by this resolution, celebrate the joyous occasion of
the one hundred eightieth anniversary of Mount Calvary Presbyterian Church and
congratulate its pastor, the Reverend Richard M. Thomas, and the church's
congregation for years of dedicated service to Walnut Grove.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to
Reverend Richard M. Thomas.
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This web page was last updated on June 25, 2026 at 05:46 PM