St. Stephen Missionary Baptist Church 160th Anniversary

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

Ceremonially recognizes St. Stephen Missionary Baptist Church’s 160-year history and ongoing community ministry under Pastor William "BJ" Jefferson.

Introduced and adopted

Summary of Bill H. 5720 (Session 2025-2026) – South Carolina

Purpose and Intent

A House Resolution recognizing and celebrating the 160th anniversary of St. Stephen Missionary Baptist Church in Rembert, South Carolina.

Honors Pastor William "BJ" Jefferson and the church congregation for their long-standing service to the Rembert community.

Serves as a ceremonial/explanatory acknowledgment rather than a bill that creates new laws or appropriations.

Key Provisions and Provisions the Bill Would Make

Declares that St. Stephen Missionary Baptist Church was established in 1866 and notes historical leadership and milestones (pastors, deacons, trustees, and facility expansions) through the years.

Highlights significant church developments:

Early leadership by Rev. Mayrant, followed by Rev. W. S. McCullough, Rev. A. A. Harris.
Sanctuary construction completed in 1970 during Rev. Harris’s tenure.
Pastors Rev. Billy Bennett (1983–2007) and subsequent interim and current leadership under Pastor William "BJ" Jefferson.
Campus improvements including an education building added in 1994 (which also included the pastor’s study).
Details on deacons and trustees leadership across decades.

Describes current church activities and ministries under Pastor Jefferson, including:

Weekly prayer services and Bible study (Wednesday nights).
Involvement opportunities through groups such as New Generations youth, The Missionary, Pastor's Pulpit Helpers, Sunday school, gospel and adult choirs, ushers ministry, and male choir.

States the church’s mission and vision:

Mission: faithfully teach the word of God and engage in good works.
Vision: make the church’s ministries an indispensable part of the community.

Officially acknowledges the church’s long history (over 160 years) and expresses warm congratulations to the congregation and Pastor Jefferson.

Directs that a copy of the resolution be presented to Pastor William "BJ" Jefferson.

Who/What Would Be Affected

St. Stephen Missionary Baptist Church and its congregation in Rembert, SC.

Pastor William "BJ" Jefferson as the spiritual leader honored in the resolution.

The Rembert community, culturally and historically acknowledged for the church’s service and presence.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Introduced and adopted by the South Carolina House of Representatives on June 25, 2026.

Resolution commemorates the church’s 160th anniversary, which occurred on June 28, 2026.

Numerous bipartisan co-sponsors from the House are listed, indicating broad legislative support for the ceremonial acknowledgment.

Notable Context

This is a ceremonial resolution rather than substantive legislation with financial implications or regulatory changes.

The document emphasizes historical narrative, community impact, and continued ministry activities.

If you’d like, I can provide a concise one-paragraph summary or a side-by-side comparison with prior anniversary resolutions for context.