A house RESOLUTION

TO CONGRATULATE MONUMENTAL MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH OF FLORENCE ON THE OCCASION OF ITS FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY AND TO COMMEND THE CHURCH FOR A HALF-CENTURY OF SERVICE as a "monument TO GOD AND To north florence".

Whereas, founded in 1973, Monumental Missionary Baptist Church of Florence is celebrating its fiftieth anniversary of gospel ministry in 2023. The church has sought to carry out the Great Commission with faithfulness and dedication; and

Whereas, Reverend Vandroth Backus, founder and founding pastor of Monumental Missionary Baptist Church, in obedience to God's will, secured the church a property, and the church was opened on Sunday, August 12, 1973; and

Whereas, founding members were Deacon L.C. Colson, Vera Brown, Lillie Mae Edwards, Martha Johnson, Julia Merritts, Sarah Lane, Christine Davis, Edith Brockington, Patsy Huggins, Vivian Richardson, Elijah Hicks, Francis Scales, Barbara Hicks, Julia Murray, Debra Murray, Pearl Smalls, and Eyvonne Simmons; and

Whereas, over the years, church membership has grown from Pastor Backus and his wife, Mrs. Florence Backus, with their three children, Cassandra, Vandroth, Jr., and Thaddeus, to over five hundred members. Under the administration of Reverend Backus, the church became a place of worship, as well as an educational institution for the youth of the community; and

Whereas, past and present church ministries include the Monumental Missionary Baptist Church Board of Deacons, Board of Trustees, Deaconess Ministry, Willing Workers, Usher Ministry, Daycare Center, Youth Department, Music Ministry, Gospel Choir, Senior Choir, Young Adult Choir, Celestial Choir, Jubilee Choir, the Vandroth Backus Voices of Inspiration Choir9VOI, the Vandroth Backus Ensemble, the male chorus, youth choir, Media Ministry, Missionary Ministry, Pastor's Support, YWA, Sunday School, Nurse's Unit, Kitchen Committee, Food Pantry, Senior Citizen Ministry, and Housing Ministry; and

Whereas, under the leadership of Reverend Columbus B. Black, Jr., the church is standing on the faith and strength of its early pastors and members. Monumental Missionary Baptist's present congregation "press[es] toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:14) and continues to preach and teach the Word of God; and

Whereas, Monumental Missionary Baptist Church has been a beacon of light and a community worship center in the Florence area for fifty years, and, God willing, will continue its godly heritage for many more years of worship and service. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, congratulate Monumental Missionary Baptist Church of Florence on the occasion of its fiftieth anniversary and commend the church for a half-century of service as a "Monument to God and to North Florence".

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Monumental Missionary Baptist Church.

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