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Bill

H 5551

Flat Creek Baptist Church, 250th anniversary

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Terry Alexander and 119 co-sponsors

The bill ceremonially honors Flat Creek Baptist Church for 250 years of community service and historic heritage.

Introduced and adopted
0
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Bill Summary · H 5551

Summary of Bill H 5551 (Session 2025-2026) – South Carolina

Title

Flat Creek Baptist Church, 250th anniversary

Type of Legislation

House Resolution (H 5551) introduced and adopted in 2026.

Primary Purpose

Commend Flat Creek Baptist Church of Lancaster County for 250 years of service to the community and extend warm congratulations on the church’s 250th anniversary.

Key Provisions

  • Formal commendation of Flat Creek Baptist Church for two and a half centuries of community service.
  • Recognition of the church’s historical origins, including:
    • Organization on July 4, 1776, and its long-standing presence in Lancaster County.
    • Early leadership by Reverend George Pope, its organizer.
    • Initial meetings held in a brush arbor; original name Upper Fork of Lynches Creek (renamed Flat Creek Baptist Church in 1881).
    • Evolution of church buildings: log sanctuary → frame sanctuary; fire in 1912; rebuilt in 1913 and again in 1943 under Pastor L.W. Edwards.
    • Existence of a cemetery adjacent to the sanctuary.
    • Historical marker placed in 1997 by the Lancaster County Historical Commission near the road at the church site.
  • Acknowledgment of current leadership under Reverend Bart Miles.
  • Statement of ongoing mission to preach and teach the Word of God and continue godly heritage.

Who is Affected

  • Flat Creek Baptist Church (the subject of the commendation).
  • The Lancaster County community, churches, and residents who recognize the church’s long-standing service.
  • The Reverend Bart Miles (current pastor) and church leadership as the immediate recipients of the resolution.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • The resolution was introduced and adopted on April 21, 2026.
  • The bill is a ceremonial resolution, aimed at formal recognition rather than creating new law or expenditures.
  • The resolution directs that a copy be presented to Reverend Bart Miles on behalf of Flat Creek Baptist Church.

Notable Details

  • The church’s founding date (July 4, 1776) aligns with a historically significant date in U.S. history, underscoring a long-standing community presence.
  • The historical marker commemorating the church was erected in 1997 by the Lancaster County Historical Commission.

Overall Impact

  • Provides official, formal recognition by the South Carolina House of Representatives of Flat Creek Baptist Church’s 250-year legacy.
  • Serves to honor long-term community service, heritage, and historical milestones associated with the church.
  • No financial appropriations or policy changes are included; the measure is symbolic and ceremonial.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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