TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE PASTOR AND CONGREGATION OF ST. PETER AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN CALHOUN COUNTY FOR ALMOST ONE HUNDRED FORTY YEARS OF MINISTRY TO THEIR COMMUNITY AND TO CONGRATULATE THEM AS THEY BREAK GROUND ON A NEW SANCTUARY.

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives is pleased to learn that St. Peter African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church will celebrate a groundbreaking for a new sanctuary at a ceremony to be held in Cameron on Sunday, March 9, 2019; and

Whereas, in 1880, five former slaves purchased land for eight dollars from Mr. Thomas Ulmer, which at that time was part of Orangeburg County, in order to provide a place of worship; and

Whereas, because these former slaves did not have the funds to erect a sanctuary, the church began as a humble bush harbor; and

Whereas, the first pastor called to minister to them was Reverend Adam Williams, followed by Reverend W. M. McDuffie, who helped them realize the dream of building their own sanctuary; and

Whereas, the first sanctuary for St. Peter AME Church was completed in July 1906. The land for the new sanctuary was donated by Professor Andrew H. Black and his wife, Cora B. Black, which was formerly used for a parsonage and now used for parking; and

Whereas, now as the members of the congregation break ground for a new sanctuary on this site, the South Carolina House of Representatives wishes them Godspeed as they continue to minister God's love and peace in their community. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and honor the pastor and congregation of St. Peter African Methodist Episcopal Church in Calhoun County for almost one hundred forty years of ministry to their community and congratulate them as they break ground on a new sanctuary.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Reverend Larry J. Nelson.