A HOUSE RESOLUTION honoring the founders of springfield memorial baptist church, while observing the church's one hundred FIFTIETH anniversary.
Whereas, Springfield Memorial Baptist Church, located in Stanley, North Carolina, can trace its origin to 1863, when 12 people organized the Galilee Baptist Church (now First Baptist) between the Towns of Stanley and Mount Holly; and
Whereas, the congregation later split into the Hickory Grove Baptist Church, Galilee Baptist Church, and the Brunington Baptist Church, which remained on the grounds of the original church; and
Whereas, Reverend Tom Barnwell served as the first pastor of the Brunington Baptist Church; and
Whereas, after a few years, the church was destroyed by fire, and, on September 18, 1874, Rufus and Susan Friday donated land for a new church; and
Whereas, a log structure was built to serve as the church, which was named Springfield Memorial Baptist Church in honor of the pastor at the time, Reverend Burton, who came from Springfield, West Virginia; and
Whereas, the next pastors to serve Springfield Memorial Baptist Church included Reverend George Washington, Reverend Ellis Lee, Reverend Ranson, Reverend Miles Beam, and Reverend R.D. Harris, who served as pastor of the church from 1908 to 1929 and helped to build a new church; and
Whereas, for 150 years, the Springfield Memorial Baptist Church has prospered, attracting new members; adding new facilities such as classrooms, an educational building, an auditorium, and a Family Life Center; and expanding its ministries and missionary services; Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
SECTION 1.  The House of Representatives honors the founders and former leaders of the Springfield Memorial Baptist Church for their contributions to the rich cultural heritage of North Carolina.
SECTION 2.  The House of Representatives expresses its appreciation to the members of Springfield Memorial Baptist Church for their continuous service to the church and contributions to the religious heritage of the State of North Carolina.
SECTION 3.  The Principal Clerk shall transmit a certified copy of this resolution to the Pastor of Springfield Memorial Baptist Church.
SECTION 4.  This resolution is effective upon adoption.