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Bill

H 5585

Mt. Hebron United Methodist Church 225th Anniversary

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

Ceremonial recognition of Mt. Hebron United Methodist Church’s 225-year history and its lifelong community service, without new policy or funding.

Introduced, adopted, returned with concurrence
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 5585

Summary of Bill H 5585 (2025-2026), South Carolina

Title

Mt. Hebron United Methodist Church 225th Anniversary

Purpose and Intent

  • This is a concurrent resolution by both the South Carolina House of Representatives and Senate to honor and congratulate Mt. Hebron United Methodist Church of West Columbia on its 225th anniversary (founded in 1800; celebration in 2026).
  • The resolution expresses appreciation for the church’s long-standing service, spiritual leadership, and community outreach, and wishes for continued Christian ministry in the future.
  • A commemorative copy of the resolution is to be presented to Mt. Hebron United Methodist Church.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Formal recognition of Mt. Hebron United Methodist Church’s 225-year history and its role in Lexington County and the broader West Columbia community.
  • Acknowledgement of the church’s historical milestones and campus developments, including past sanctuaries and facilities (e.g., 1907 sanctuary, 1963 present sanctuary, various educational and ministry spaces) and the historic Temperance Hall on campus (listed on the National Register of Historic Places).
  • Commendation of the church’s ministries and programs across age groups, such as:
    • Worship and discipleship programs
    • Sunday School, children/ youth programs, Vacation Bible School
    • Weekday studies and fellowship
    • Music ministry
    • Outreach organizations (United Women in Faith, United Methodist Men, Scouting)
    • Community services (Mt. Hebron Counseling Center, Hebron Day School)
    • Mission partnerships (e.g., Henderson Settlement, Memory Café, Salkehatchie Summer Service Project)
  • Recognition of ongoing initiatives and celebratory activities leading up to and including a special service on August 23, 2026, featuring Bishop Leonard Fairley and Mt. Hebron’s pastor, Rev. Dr. Ann DeRosset Kovan.
  • The resolution does not create new statutory authorities or fiscal allocations; it serves as ceremonial recognition.

Who Is Affected

  • Mt. Hebron United Methodist Church (West Columbia) — primary recipient of the honor.
  • Members and affiliates of the church, including its ministries and partner organizations.
  • Local community in Lexington County and West Columbia, which benefit from the church’s historical presence and ongoing programs.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Status: Introduced and adopted by the House on April 23, 2026; sent to the Senate and adopted/concurred on the same day.
  • No substantive policy changes or funding provisions are attached; it is a ceremonial resolution.
  • The notable event referenced is the 225th anniversary celebration in 2026, with a concluding anniversary service on August 23, 2026.

Notable Details

  • The resolution highlights the church’s founding by Reverend Henry Sechrist in 1800 and its longstanding campus evolution, including Temperance Hall (historic significance).
  • The list of sponsors is extensive, reflecting broad bicameral and bipartisan ceremonial support.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary for a newsletter, a policy briefing, or a public-facing website, and add a timeline of the church’s milestone events referenced in the resolution.

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

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