A house RESOLUTION

To congratulate Round Top Baptist Church on the occasion of their one hundred fifty-second anniversary and to Celebrate their rich history.

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives is pleased to recognize the Round Top Baptist Church on the occasion of their one hundred fifty-second anniversary, which was held on May 26, 2024; and

Whereas, founded in 1872, Round Top Baptist Church began in humble circumstances as Mr. John Lawhorn and Mr. Isaac Harmon left Shady Grove AME Church to worship under a bush arbor's big round oak tree, led by the Rev. Lew Davis; and

Whereas, the first church structure was built in 1874 by Mr. Sandy Thomas, along with others, on an acre of land donated by Mrs. Estelle Canty. After completion of the first church structure, the church was named for the big round oak tree under which its beginning services were held; and

Whereas, in 1940, construction of a second structure began at the current site under Rev. M.E. Gordon. By 1950, and under the leadership of Rev. Symroid M. Hightower, the second structure was completed and was commemorated by holding three services on July 23, 1950. Later, the church made many improvements to its building and surroundings, furthered by land donated by Mrs. Josephine E. Kelly. A dedication service was held on May 24, 1959, to celebrate the improvements; and

Whereas, in March of 1963, Rev. Jerry M. Hollis was elected pastor and that same year an educational facility was constructed. The church purchased two acres of land to extend its cemetery in 1976, and along with land that was donated by Mr. Nathaniel Kelly, the church continued to expand. In January of 1984, the educational facility was dedicated and named in honor of Pastor Hollis, who later became Pastor Emeritus, for his years of dedicated service; and

Whereas, Round Top Baptist Church has had many pastors throughout its one hundred fifty-two years. Rev. Willie J. Davis was elected pastor on January 10, 1986, and led the church to grow in spirit and knowledge and advanced from two Sunday worship services per month to weekly Sunday services and the addition of a youth program on Sundays; and

Whereas, in 2004, under the leadership of Rev. Fleming O. McClinton the church implemented an 8:00 am service, created a motto, logo, and mission statement, became a member of the NAACP, established a food pantry, established a clothing distribution center, upgraded technology with a sound and video system, constructed recreational areas at the Round Top Community Center, purchased a fifteen-passenger bus, and purchased additional acreages of land; and

Whereas, Round Top Baptist Church is valued for the contributions they have made to their community, and it is fitting that they receive continued blessings from God and give meaningful ministry to their neighbors for years to come. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, congratulate Round Top Baptist Church on the occasion of their one hundred fifty-second anniversary and celebrate their rich history.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the leadership of Round Top Baptist Church.

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