South Carolina H 4451: Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, 162nd anniversary

Bill Text

2025-2026 Bill 4451 Text of Previous Version (Apr. 30, 2025) - South Carolina Legislature Online 

South Carolina General Assembly
126th Session, 2025-2026

Bill 4451

Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter

(Text matches printed bills. Document has been reformatted to meet World Wide Web specifications.)

A house RESOLUTION

TO RECOGNIZE AND CONGRATULATE MOUNT MORIAH BAPTIST 
CHURCH OF SPARTANBURG ON THE OCCASION OF ITS ONE HUNDRED SIXTY-SECOND 
ANNIVERSARY AND TO COMMEND THE CHURCH FOR MORE THAN A CENTURY AND A HALF OF SERVICE 
TO GOD AND THE COMMUNITY.

Whereas, reflecting on 
the congregation's humble beginnings, the members of Mount Moriah Baptist 
Church remember a brush and grape arbor that once stood on a piece of land 
owned by the late Joseph Young. It was in 1863, during the year of the 
Emancipation Proclamation, that efforts were made to organize Mount Moriah. 
However, it was not until about 1870 that a more formal organization took 
place. Led by Joseph Young and six other men, the congregation worked together 
to construct its first church building. This historic edifice became known as 
the first Negro Baptist church in Spartanburg; and

Whereas, the church was 
located on a plot of land generously donated by Joseph Young Sr. at the corner 
of Young Street and South Liberty Street, a street named after the donor 
himself. For many years, this building served as a place of worship until the congregation 
saw the need for expansion. In 1912, construction began on a new edifice, and 
during this time services were temporarily held in a tent and later at Lodge 
Hall on Liberty Street. It was in the spring of 1914 that the basement of the 
new church was completed, allowing the congregation to gather there until the 
upper levels were finished. Mr. Lucious Gray, brother-in-law of Dr. J.W. 
Sexton, served as the contractor for this project; and

Whereas, throughout its 
history, Mount Moriah Baptist Church has been blessed with dedicated pastors 
and deacons who have shepherded the flock with unwavering commitment. Each 
leader has played a vital role in the growth and spiritual development of the 
Mount Moriah church family. The deacons, too numerous to mention individually, 
have faithfully served alongside the pastors, ensuring the smooth functioning 
of the church; and

Whereas, over the 
years, as God continued to respond to the prayers of his people, Mount Moriah 
Baptist experienced growth and progress. In 1977, the church celebrated the 
opening of a newly completed sanctuary and administration building on South 
Church Street, a testament to God's provision and faithfulness. Additional tracts 
of property were acquired for future expansion, including the establishment of 
the St. Luke Free Medical Clinic; and

Whereas, in more recent 
years, Mount Moriah Baptist Church has seen both spiritual and numerical 
growth. A wide range of ministries have been established to cater to the 
diverse needs of the congregation. Bible studies, children's and teens' church, 
a ministry to senior citizens, a singles ministry, and health and wellness 
programs are just a few examples of the vibrant and active community within the 
walls of Mount Moriah Baptist. The church's outreach and evangelism efforts also 
have been a focal point, as the congregation seeks to make Christ known to the 
community; and

Whereas, on May 21, 
2023, the church had the great privilege of officially installing its new 
pastor, the Reverend Dr. Larry T. Crudup. Known for his innovative leadership 
style and his deep commitment to ministry, Pastor Crudup has been instrumental 
in fostering a spirit of unity and collaboration within the church. He strongly 
believes in empowering every member to utilize his or her unique gifts and 
talents in service to God. Through his dynamic preaching and teaching, he 
encourages the members of his congregation to deepen their relationship with 
Christ and live out their faith in practical ways; and

Whereas, Mount Moriah 
Baptist Church has been a beacon of light and a community worship center in the 
Spartanburg area for one hundred sixty-two years, and, God willing, will 
continue its godly heritage for many more years of worship and service. Now, 
therefore,

Be it resolved by the House 
of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize 
and congratulate Mount Moriah Baptist Church of Spartanburg on the occasion of 
its one hundred sixty-second anniversary and commend the church for more than a 
century and a half of service to God and the community.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution 
be presented to Mount Moriah Baptist Church.

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This web page was last updated on April 30, 2025 at 02:24 PM