06 LC
37 0113
Senate
Resolution 1108
By:
Senator Hill of the 4th
A
RESOLUTION
Recognizing
and congratulating Greater Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church on the
celebration of its 116th anniversary on February 19, 2006; and for other
purposes.
WHEREAS,
the original congregation of Greater Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church
consisted of eight Christian men and women who purchased an acre of land for
$20.00 to erect a church on August 25, 1890, in Reidsville; and
WHEREAS,
the church was used as a school for many years for African American
children;
and
and
WHEREAS,
a new church and sanctuary were built in 1943, thanks to the vision and
commitment of many members; and
WHEREAS,
in 1955 two other rural churches, Bethlehem AME Church and Mt. Zion AME Church,
merged with Bethel AME to become "Greater Bethel"; and
WHEREAS,
Reverend Teal took over church leadership in 1968 and spearheaded a major
reconstruction project that transformed the church from a wooden building
without plumbing to the block building of today with wood floors, restrooms, a
kitchen, and a new piano; and
WHEREAS,
in 2004, under the leadership of Presiding Elder Richard Q. Ward, Sr., the
church underwent another renovation that led to multiple rooms being added to
the sanctuary; and
WHEREAS,
at the AME Annual Conference held in Athens, Georgia, in 2004, the church's name
was officially changed to the Greater Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church;
and
WHEREAS,
under the guidance of a number of dedicated and devoted leaders, the community
of Greater Bethel has flourished for more than a century;
and
WHEREAS, Greater Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church has contributed greatly to the community of Reidsville and surrounding areas for more than 100 years as a place of learning, spirituality, and community, and it is only fitting this body should commend and congratulate this institution.
WHEREAS, Greater Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church has contributed greatly to the community of Reidsville and surrounding areas for more than 100 years as a place of learning, spirituality, and community, and it is only fitting this body should commend and congratulate this institution.
NOW,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body recognize
and congratulate Greater Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church on
celebrating 116 years of contributions to its community.
BE
IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed
to transmit an appropriate copy of this resolution to Greater Bethel African
Methodist Episcopal Church.