Bill Text: SC H5455 | 2017-2018 | 122nd General Assembly | Introduced
Bill Title: York Baptist Association
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2018-06-28 - Introduced and adopted [H5455 Detail]
Download: South_Carolina-2017-H5455-Introduced.html
A HOUSE RESOLUTION
TO CONGRATULATE THE YORK BAPTIST ASSOCIATION ON THE OCCASION OF ITS ONE HUNDRED FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY AND TO WISH ITS MEMBERS GOD'S BEST AS THEY CONTINUE TO SERVE THE LORD.
Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives is pleased to learn that the York Baptist Association is celebrating its one hundred fiftieth anniversary in 2018; and
Whereas, the York Baptist Association was formed out of the challenges of the Reconstruction era in U.S. history. In 1867, because of the felt need for greater unity among the churches in York County, a meeting was held at Yorkville Baptist Church, and the Baptist Union of York was organized. During this meeting, the decision was made to call a convention of delegates from churches wishing to form a new Baptist association. The delegates met at Union Baptist Church in Filbert in July 1868 and agreed to a first meeting of the York Baptist Association on October 17, 1868, at Yorkville Baptist Church; and
Whereas, delegates from Catawba, Enon, Harmony, Mill Creek, Pleasant Valley, Sugar Creek (Flint Hill, 1906), Union (Filbert), Union (Sandy Plains, North Carolina, 1875) and Yorkville Baptist churches were recognized and seated as the first body of the York Baptist Association. The purpose of that original body was "the union and cooperation of its members for their spiritual growth and the advancement of the Kingdom of Christ by all Gospel means"; and
Whereas, the first action taken by the York Baptist Association was the promotion and establishment of Sunday Schools in all the churches and the employment of a missionary, whose duty was to labor in places where there were no pastors. The 1870 annual report showed that six of the ten churches had Sunday Schools and that the total membership of the ten churches was nine hundred eight; and
Whereas, today the York Baptist Association consists of more than eighty diverse congregations with a total membership exceeding twenty-eight thousand. The churches continue to support and cooperate with one another for the fulfillment of the Great Commission of our Lord Jesus Christ, both locally and globally. Together, they provide spiritual-growth opportunities and resources through weekly Sunday School, community groups, training events, retreats, and special events. These churches also provide ministry to the entire York County area and send out mission teams across North America and around the world; and
Whereas, truly the Lord has blessed the association and has enabled it to survive the past, serve the present age, and forge new pathways for the future. Standing on the faith and strength of its early pastors and church members, the York Baptist Association "press[es] toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:14); and
Whereas, the York Baptist Association has been a beacon of light in this great State for one hundred fifty years, and, God willing, will continue its godly heritage in many more years of 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 the York Baptist Association on the occasion of its one hundred fiftieth anniversary and wish its members God's best as they continue to serve the Lord.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the York Baptist Association.
