The bill, H. 4489, is a House Resolution recognizing and congratulating St. Phillip African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church of Eastover on its historic 192nd anniversary. Founded around 1835, the church has a rich history, beginning with a group of Christians who worshipped under a bush arbor in Acton. The church has evolved over the years, with its original sanctuary built on land donated by white residents for the burial of their Black workers' families. The current sanctuary was dedicated in 1981 after a previous one burned down, and the church continues to serve as a vital community worship center under the leadership of Reverend Larry D. Clark.
The resolution commends St. Phillip AME Church for its long-standing service to God and the community, highlighting its role as one of the oldest established African American churches in Lower Richland. The church plans to celebrate its anniversary with a brunch on June 21, 2025, and a homecoming worship service on June 22. The resolution concludes with a directive to present a copy of the resolution to the church, affirming the House of Representatives' recognition of its contributions over nearly two centuries.