TO HONOR AND CONGRATULATE REVEREND GEORGE L. BRIGHTHARP, PH.D., OF TRENTON, SOUTH CAROLINA, FOR HIS CONTRIBUTIONS TO HIS COMMUNITY AND TO THE MINISTRY AND TO WISH HIM CONTINUED SUCCESS IN ALL HIS FUTURE ENDEAVORS.

Whereas, Reverend Brightharp is the son of the late Reverend George Washington Brightharp and the late Mrs. Rosa Cooks Brightharp Brown. He is the current pastor of Mount Canaan Baptist Church in Trenton, South Carolina; and

Whereas, Dr. Brightharp earned his bachelor's and master's degrees from A&T University in Greensboro, North Carolina, and went on to earn his education specialist degree from the University of South Carolina. He gained his Ph.D. in political science from Atlanta University; and

Whereas, he began his career as a secondary educator in Georgia, and continued that path in both North and South Carolina. He then became a professor of history at DeKalb College, Voorhees College, and Paine College, finally retiring from the position of Guidance Department Chairman at Strom Thurmond High School in Edgefield; and

Whereas, Reverend Brightharp has been an ordained minister since 1971. His service as leader, pastor, revival, and religious speaker has impacted the lives of many people. He has been the pastor of St. Paul Baptist Church, Mt. Morenci Baptist Church, and Tremont Temple Baptist Church, as well as his current church of Mount Canaan Baptist Church; and

Whereas, dedicated to bettering his community, he has served on several boards and in multiple capacities. He was appointed to the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education by the Governor. He has also served on the board of visitors for several area colleges and universities and on the boards of United Way and Edgefield Arts Commission. He currently serves on the advisory board of the Security Federal Bank; and

Whereas, furthermore, Dr. Brightharp is the owner of G. L. Brightharp & Sons Mortuaries in Aiken, Edgefield, and North Augusta, South Carolina. He is also the author of the book The Damned Ones Undamned and the former moderator of the Mt. Canaan Association. He has been the recipient of many professional, religious, community achievement, and service awards; and

Whereas, Reverend Brightharp has initiated many innovative and productive programs and activities, particularly for youths, at Mount Canaan Baptist Church. He has proven his leadership skills in many ways and has demonstrated his love for humanity by word and example. As a teacher, businessman, author, community leader, counselor, friend, and dynamic preacher, he has sought to bless others by always being a Christian gentleman and serving those around him; and

Whereas, the members of the House of Representatives are proud for the legacy Reverend Brightharp has created and wish him continued success for years to come. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the House of Representatives of South Carolina, by this resolution, honor and congratulate Reverend George L. Brightharp, Ph.D., of Trenton, South Carolina, for his contributions to his community and to the ministry and wish him continued success in all his future endeavors.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Reverend George L. Brightharp, Ph.D.