A senate RESOLUTION

TO RECOGNIZE AND CONGRATULATE JUBILEE BAPTIST CHURCH OF TAYLORS ON THE OCCASION OF ITS HISTORIC ONE HUNDRED SIXTIETH ANNIVERSARY AND TO COMMEND THE CHURCH FOR MORE THAN A CENTURY AND A HALF OF SERVICE TO GOD AND THE COMMUNITY.

Whereas, having been founded in 1864, Jubilee Baptist Church of Taylors is celebrating its historic one hundred sixtieth anniversary in 2024. Often referred to as "the Mother Church," Jubilee Baptist is the oldest African American church in the upper Piedmont of South Carolina and has a rich, colorful, proud heritage that dates back to slavery. The name "Jubilee" was given to the church to celebrate the slaves' freedom, and the church continues to celebrate that freedom in Christ, according to John 8:36 (NIV): "If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed"; and

Whereas, the Reverend Richard F. Wilden, Sr., a white minister, is credited with initiating the organization of Jubilee Baptist Church. Its members held church services in various homes until enough money could be raised to buy land and build the church. God blessed the church from its humble beginnings, and the congregation now worships in a beautiful edifice on Old Rutherford Road; and

Whereas, the first pastor elected by the fledgling congregation was the Reverend Jerry Foster. Currently, Pastor Reggie Garrett, the twenty-third minister to shepherd this flock, leads Jubilee Baptist, and under his leadership the church has grown spiritually and physically; and

Whereas, through all the challenges of the years, Jubilee Baptist has continued to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ and serve the Lord. Standing on the faith and strength of its early pastors and members, Jubilee Baptist Church's present congregation "presses toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:14, KJV); and

Whereas, on Saturday, April 27, 2024, the grateful congregation of Jubilee Baptist will hold a special commemorative event to celebrate God's faithfulness to the church, both spiritually and materially, over one hundred sixty years; and

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

Be it resolved by the Senate:

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, recognize and congratulate Jubilee Baptist Church of Taylors on the occasion of its historic one hundred sixtieth anniversary and commend the church for more than a century and a half of service to God and the community.

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

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