A HOUSE RESOLUTION HONORING THE FOUNDERS OF BETHESDA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH DURING THE CHURCH'S TWO HUNDRED TWENTY‑Fifth ANNIVERSARY.
Whereas, Bethesda Presbyterian Church, located in southern Moore County, North Carolina, was instrumental in the development of the community and the only church to serve the community for the first 100 years of its existence; and
Whereas, in 1756, the Synod of Philadelphia sent the Reverend James Campbell, a Gaelic preacher, to serve the Highland Scots who had settled in the area of the lower Cape Fear Basin, beginning a tradition of establishing different preaching points throughout the region; and
Whereas, the first settlers gathered under brush arbors at the head of the Rockfish Creek, and a regular community of worshippers was established; and
Whereas, in 1788, the first solid structure was built on property that had been deeded to James Patterson by King George of England in 1766; and
Whereas, in 1832, a second building was built adjacent to the Pee Dee Road, a major roadway for the area's commercial trade in the community now known as Blue's Crossing; and
Whereas, in 1862, a third building was built on the same property, with a gallery for slaves and separate entrances for men and women, even in the midst of the hardship and strife of a Civil War; and
Whereas, in 1907, a fourth building was built in the town proper, by now renamed Aberdeen, so that the worshippers could have access to electricity and be in a location more centrally located to its parishioners; and
Whereas, in 1923, the members decided to institute the tradition of an annual homecoming at the previous location in order to preserve the history and structure of the old church building; and
Whereas, in 1972, a fifth building was built on U.S. Hwy 1, allowing the church to continue serving the community in the best way possible; and
Whereas, in 2013, Bethesda Presbyterian Church has survived and served for 225 years and deserves recognition; Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
SECTION 1.  The House of Representatives honors the founders of the Bethesda Presbyterian Church for their dedication and contributions to the rich cultural heritage and support of the community.
SECTION 2.  The House of Representatives applauds the congregation of Bethesda Presbyterian Church for their continuous service to the community and contributions to the cultural and religious heritage of the State of North Carolina.
SECTION 3.  The Principal Clerk shall transmit a certified copy of this resolution to the Reverend Jonathan Wallace, Pastor of Bethesda Presbyterian Church.
SECTION 4.  This resolution is effective upon adoption.