H 5806

South Carolina General Assembly
126th Session, 2025-2026
Bill 5806
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 Pastor Sammie D.
Simmons on the occasion of his birthday, to recognize August 30, 2026, as
"Sammie D. Simmons Day" in South Carolina, and to honor him for his unwavering dedication,
visionary leadership, and steadfast commitment to advancing the Kingdom of God.
Whereas, Pastor Sammie D. Simmons has faithfully answered God's call
to ministry, exemplifying the Scripture, "Many are called, but few are chosen,"
through devoted service, visionary leadership, and unwavering commitment to the
Kingdom of God; and
Whereas, since 1994, Pastor Simmons has served as senior pastor of
St. Mark Four Bridges Missionary Baptist Church in Sumter, and Bethesda
Missionary Baptist Church in Lynchburg, providing spiritual leadership,
discipleship, worship, and community outreach; and
Whereas, he has served as moderator emeritus of the Wateree Baptist
Association Lower Division, providing guidance and leadership to more than
twenty-five churches throughout the region; and
Whereas, Pastor Simmons has demonstrated a deep commitment to
community development as president of the Four Bridges Community Development
Corporation, supporting youth, families, senior adults, workforce development, education,
and life-skills training.  His commitment to the next generation is unwavering;
and
Whereas, his commitment to community has been widely recognized,
including his invitation from the National Council of Negro Women to offer the
opening and closing prayers at the groundbreaking ceremony for Mary McLeod
Bethune Park in Mayesville; and
Whereas, his leadership has resulted in significant ministry and
community accomplishments, including the development of worship facilities,
acquisition of a major community facility, and expansion of outreach ministries
serving the surrounding community; and
Whereas, Pastor Simmons has extended his ministry internationally
through missionary service in the Republic of Benin, West Africa, helping
provide clean water, medical services, education, and spiritual support to
communities in need; and
Whereas, Pastor Simmons has demonstrated exceptional vision and
stewardship through transformational building and development projects,
including the construction of a state-of-the-art worship facility for St. Mark
Four Bridges Missionary Baptist Church in 2000, valued at more than $500,000
and fully paid within seven years through faithful stewardship and sacrificial
giving; and
Whereas, in 2006, he led the acquisition of a 936,000-square-foot
facility valued at more than $1.7 million, which serves as the headquarters of
the Four Bridges Community Development Corporation and supports numerous
outreach ministries that benefit families and communities throughout the
surrounding area; and
Whereas, through his missionary endeavors, he has helped provide
clean drinking water through the construction of a freshwater well, supported
the establishment of a medical facility, and contributed to the development of
a school addressing the healthcare and educational needs of local families; and
Whereas, Pastor Simmons is supported in his life and ministry by his
devoted wife, First Lady Shirby J. China Simmons, their four children, and
thirteen grandchildren; and
Whereas, Pastor Simmons gratefully acknowledges the influence and
legacy of his parents, the late Loris Simmons and the late William P. Simmons,
whose faith, vision, and example helped prepare him for God's divine calling
upon his life; and
Whereas, his ministry continues to touch countless lives through
biblical teaching, community engagement, missionary service, servant
leadership, and a demonstrated commitment to meeting both the spiritual and
practical needs of others.  Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by
this resolution, congratulate Pastor Sammie D. Simmons on the occasion of his
birthday, recognize August 30, 2026, as "Sammie D. Simmons Day" in South
Carolina, and honor him for his unwavering dedication, visionary leadership,
and steadfast commitment to advancing the Kingdom of God.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to
Pastor Sammie D. Simmons.
This web page was last updated on August 25, 2026 at 01:56 PM