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Bill

H 5588

Hopewell Baptist Church 150th anniversary

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

The bill confers ceremonial recognition of Hopewell Baptist Church’s 150th anniversary and highlights its history, growth, and community outreach.

Introduced and adopted
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 5588

Summary of Bill H 5588 (South Carolina, 2025-2026)

Title

Hopewell Baptist Church 150th anniversary

Purpose and Intent

  • A House Resolution recognizing and congratulating the Congregation of Hopewell Baptist Church, its staff, and Reverend Richard Addison on the church’s 150th anniversary.
  • Serves as an acknowledgment and ceremonial tribute rather than substantive statutory changes.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • The resolution documents the historical origins and milestones of Hopewell Baptist Church, including:
    • Founding in 1876 as an offshoot of High Hills Baptist Church, with Reverend J. Capers as founder/pastor.
    • Early worship under a brush arbor; land donation by Robert Brownfield; foundational materials donated by the Grant family; self-financed construction funded via cotton sale proceeds.
  • Notable pastors and leadership timeline:
    • Reverend J. Capers (founder), followed by pastors including Theodore Diggs (long tenure), Miles, Ross, Holmes, H. D. Dupree, H. W. White, M. M. Battie, L. W. Walker Sr. (extensive tenure of 50 years), C. Hilton Jr., and Reverend Richard Addison (2007–present).
  • Major 20th/21st-century developments:
    • 1965: New sanctuary built during Reverend Walker’s ministry; land purchased and paid off within seven years.
    • 1993: Educational and Fellowship Hall added; renamed in 1999 to Reverend Dr. L. W. Walker Sr. Educational and Fellowship Hall; paid off by 2000.
    • 1999–2002: Yard paving, sanctuary renovation, and other improvements.
    • 1995: Sunday services began featuring Reverend Charles Gadson as assistant pastor.
  • Church auxiliaries and ministries established:
    • Multiple choirs and ministries (Gospel Choir, Tiny Tots Choir, Youth Choir, Ladies Choir, Male Chorus, Pastor’s Aid Club, Brotherhood, L. W. Walker Adult Choir, Children’s Choir, Inspirational Choir).
    • 2006–2007: Interim pastor service transition; formation of Men’s Bible Study, Women’s Bible Study, Hopewell Baptist Scholarship Ministry, and Young People’s Ministry.
    • Additional programs: Mass Choir, Sanctuary Choir, Praise Team, upgraded finance ministry computer systems, Media Ministry (website, Facebook, Zoom).
    • 2015: Official church logo adopted.
    • 2021: YouTube channel launched to broaden access to worship.
    • 2020: Praise Team Ministry established; Sanctuary Choir formed from merging former groups.
    • Healthcare Ministry expanded (CPR-certified participants).
    • Women’s Ministry activities include blanket drives for the homeless, prison ministry, foreign missions, and holiday meals for the ill and shut-in.
  • Recent facility and safety enhancements:
    • 2025: Facility/ landscaping upgrades including vestibule expansion, new restrooms, security room, media room improvements, two new classrooms, parking lot resurfacing, new monument sign, brick mailbox.
    • These improvements were dedicated during the church’s 149th Anniversary.
  • Community and youth initiatives:
    • 2025 Health and Community Resource Fair (by Women’s Ministry) and Summer Enrichment Program (academic and spiritual development).
    • 2026: Implementation of a Security Ministry with high-tech safety systems.

Who Is Affected

  • The primary beneficiary is Hopewell Baptist Church (its congregation, staff, leaders, and ministries).
  • Indirectly, the surrounding community benefits from enhanced church facilities, expanded programs, youth services, health resources, and security improvements.
  • Reverend Richard Addison, as pastor, is specifically acknowledged in the resolution.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Type: House Resolution (recognition/commendation, not binding legislation).
  • Status: Introduced and adopted on April 28, 2026.
  • Sponsors: A broad list of House members; multiple co-sponsors (demonstrating broad bipartisan/bi-chamber support typical of ceremonial resolutions).
  • Presentation: Resolution directs that a copy be presented to Reverend Richard Addison.

Overall Impact

  • Official ceremonial recognition of a historical milestone (150th anniversary) and celebration of long-standing community service and growth of Hopewell Baptist Church.
  • Highlights the church’s historic origins, leadership, expansions, ministries, and community outreach.
  • No fiscal impact or regulatory changes are imposed by this resolution.

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

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