South Carolina H 5658: W.S. Guiles Family Reunion

Bill Text

2025-2026 Bill 5658 Text of Previous Version (May. 06, 2026) - South Carolina Legislature Online 

South Carolina General Assembly
126th Session, 2025-2026

Bill 5658

Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter

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

A house RESOLUTION

TO CONGRATULATE THE GUILES FAMILY 
MEMBERS ON THEIR FAITHFULNESS IN RENEWING FAMILY TIES BY CONTINUING TO GATHER, 
TO COMMEND THEIR COMMITMENT TO FAMILY AS THEY CELEBRATE THEIR UPCOMING AUGUST 
2026 REUNION, AND TO DECLARE AUGUST 1, 2026, as "W.S. GUILES DAY" IN SOUTH 
CAROLINA IN HONOR OF THE FAMILY FOUNDER.

Whereas, in a time when mobility and displacement from family roots 
make family relationships more difficult to sustain, the South Carolina House 
of Representatives takes great pleasure in commending the efforts of the Guiles 
family to maintain family identity and fellowship in their upcoming reunion, to 
be held in early August 2026; and

Whereas, family founder William Samson Guiles was born in the Orum community 
of Florence County near Pamplico to William Boston Guiles and Ellen (Deas) 
Guiles. From humble beginnings, Reverend Guiles rose to become a man whose life 
of faith, labor, and leadership would leave a lasting mark upon his family, 
church, and community; and

Whereas, Reverend Guiles was a man of many callings, serving with 
diligence as a farmer, businessman, and hallelujah singer while demonstrating a 
steadfast work ethic, entrepreneurial spirit, and joyful devotion that enriched 
the lives of those around him; and

Whereas, from an early age he devoted himself to service at Mill 
Branch Church, faithfully fulfilling numerous roles, including that of steward, 
trustee, Sunday school teacher, superintendent, choir member, and class leader, 
and in each role exemplifying a life committed to God and the lifting up of 
others. In answering the call to ministry, he was ordained within the 
Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, first serving as 
assistant pastor before assuming pastoral leadership across several congregations 
within the Florence District of the Northeast Conference, including 
Johnsonville, New Zion, Claussen, and surrounding communities; and

Whereas, his longest and most enduring pastoral service was rendered 
to the St. Mark and St. Luke Circuit, where for fourteen years he shepherded 
the congregation with wisdom and unwavering dedication, leaving a spiritual 
legacy that continued long after his ministry concluded in 1950; and

Whereas, Reverend Guiles' influence extended far beyond sanctuary 
walls, as he actively served the broader Florence community through civic and 
fraternal leadership as chief of the Joint Stock Lodge and through membership 
in the Odd Fellows and Mutual Aid of Florence. Thus, he strengthened bonds of 
support, service, and progress throughout the county; and

Whereas, recognized as a pillar within Florence County, W.S. Guiles 
was also one of the founding members of the Ideal Funeral Parlor and so 
contributed to an institution that has served the community with dignity and 
care for generations. In short, through his character, integrity, and 
leadership, Reverend Guiles earned the respect of his family, his church 
community, and the citizens of Florence County at large, and he did this across 
racial lines and social boundaries during a time when such esteem was both 
significant and uncommon; and

Whereas, the continued gathering of his descendants and loved ones 
stands as living evidence of the roots he planted, the values he instilled, and 
the family legacy he helped establish for future generations. The 2026 W.S. 
Guiles Family Reunion presents a fitting opportunity to celebrate the life of a 
patriarch whose contributions helped shape the spiritual, civic, and familial 
fabric of Florence County; and

Whereas, the House is grateful for the legacy of the Guiles family 
and wishes its members much happiness as they experience the blessings of their 
upcoming family reunion. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of 
Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House 
of Representatives, by this resolution, congratulate the Guiles family 
members on their faithfulness in renewing family ties by continuing to gather, 
commend their commitment to family as they celebrate their upcoming August 2026 
reunion, and declare August 1, 2026, as "W.S. Guiles Day" in South Carolina in 
honor of the family founder.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to 
the Guiles Family Reunion.

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This web page was last updated on May 06, 2026 at 11:51 AM