TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR WALLINGFORD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH FOR ITS DEEP HERITAGE IN CHARLESTON AND TO COMMEND THE LEADERSHIP AND CONGREGATION FOR THEIR YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate are pleased to recognize and honor Wallingford Presbyterian Church as it continues to prevail under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the power of Jesus Christ; and

Whereas, in 1867, Wallingford Church was organized by Zion Presbyterian Church through a Sunday school mission. The church was originally called Siloam Presbyterian Church. On March 3, 1867, at 65 Wentworth Street, the session met with Mr. Van Horne presiding. Elders Lawrence Mills, Daniel Drayton, and Joseph Lloyd, clerk of session, were in attendance. Twenty people were received into the church on profession of faith and five by letters; and

Whereas, the church building was erected at 400 Meeting Street in 1867. In 1868, Mrs. E. G. Wallingford of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania purchased a school, as a gift to the Committee on Freedmen and a memorial to her late husband, which moved to 400 Meeting Street and subsequently underwent reorganization; and

Whereas, on August 20, 1868, the name of the church was changed from Siloam to Wallingford. During this period, Reverend J. H. Bates was the acting minister. On June 15, 1876, Reverend Elias Gardner, the first black minister, moderated the session. Reverend Gardner worked diligently for forty-four years fulfilling the mission of the church; and

Whereas, the church has a long lineage of pastors, including Reverend W. T. Frasier, Reverend Simon H. Scott, Reverend Ferdinand O. Pharr, Reverend Robert R. Woods, Reverend F. Perry Metz, Reverend Melvin Lowry, Reverend Alonza A. Washington, Reverend Donald Day, and Reverend Alonza A. Washington. These pastors have increased the church's membership, developed educational and youth programs, repaired and relocated the church, organized boards and groups, offered Christian guidance, and fostered spiritual growth; and

Whereas, the Wallingford Church family continues to move forward in spreading the gospel and reaching out to the community and those in need, while continuing the faithful Christian journey; and

Whereas, the Senate is grateful for the ministry of Wallingford Presbyterian Church and its service to the community of Charleston and the State. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate:

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, recognize and honor Wallingford Presbyterian Church for its deep heritage in Charleston and commend the leadership and congregation for their years of service to the community.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Wallingford Presbyterian Church.