TO CONGRATULATE CHESTNUT RIDGE BAPTIST CHURCH UPON THE GRAND OCCASION OF ITS TWO-HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY, AND TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE CHURCH FOR ITS DEEP HERITAGE IN THE LAURENS COMMUNITY, AND TO COMMEND ITS LEADERSHIP AND CONGREGATION FOR THEIR MANY YEARS OF SERVICE TO THIS COMMUNITY.
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives are pleased to recognize Chestnut Ridge Baptist Church of Laurens as it celebrates this important milestone of its two-hundredth anniversary; and
Whereas, the first meeting of the believers who would come to form Chestnut Ridge Baptist Church was held in 1808, just one mile east of the church's present location, beneath a poplar tree; and
Whereas, on December 29, 1821, thirty-two people from the Beaverdam Baptist Church congregation were examined and then dismissed, becoming an independent congregation; and
Whereas, led by a procession of thirty-one dedicated pastors, the leadership of Chestnut Ridge Baptist Church have continuously and faithfully preached, "the whole counsel of God;" and
Whereas, from its inception, Chestnut Ridge Baptist Church has been a mission-hearted congregation, seeking to fulfill the Great Commission of our Lord in Matthew 28: 19-20: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." The congregation has seen many of its own answer God's call, as they have stepped forth into full-time Christian service around the world; and
Whereas, also seeking to do significant good and have a broader outreach in their own community, the Chestnut Ridge Baptist Church became a multi-site congregation in January 2020, with the opening of its East Campus located at 22088 Highway 76 East in Laurens; and
Whereas, with a powerful and positive effect in the local community, as well as through missionary work around the world, countless lives have undeniably been changed by God through the faithful ministry of Chestnut Ridge Baptist Church; and
Whereas, from a humble beginning, the church has continued to grow to now over twelve hundred members, all supporting one another and faithfully continuing to seek the leadership of God for a future filled with opportunities to "Transform our world, one life at a time, with the truth of God's word by connecting, growing, serving, and going;" and
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives greatly appreciate the ministry of Chestnut Ridge Baptist Church and its service to the Laurens community and the State of South Carolina. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, congratulate Chestnut Ridge Baptist Church upon the grand occasion of its two-hundredth anniversary, and recognize and honor the church for its deep heritage in the Laurens 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 Chestnut Ridge Baptist Church.