South Carolina H 4934: Mt. Joy Holiness Church

Bill Text

2025-2026 Bill 4934 Text of Previous Version (Jan. 15, 2026) - South Carolina Legislature Online 

South Carolina General Assembly
126th Session, 2025-2026

Bill 4934

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 MT. JOY HOLINESS CHURCH OF ULMER ON 
THE OCCASION OF ITS FIFTY-SECOND ANNIVERSARY AND TO COMMEND THE CHURCH FOR MORE 
THAN A HALF-CENTURY OF SERVICE TO GOD AND THE COMMUNITY.

Whereas, established in 
November 1974 under the leadership of Elder J.C. Summers Sr., Mt. Joy Holiness 
Church began with seven adult members: Sister Bertha Summers, Brother and 
Sister William Priester, Brother and Sister Pearlstine Rivers, Mother Florrie 
Crosby, and Mother Mariah Rivers. Over the years prior to this, they traveled 
from place to place, rendering services in an effort to save the lost; and

Whereas, upon learning 
that a church facility in Ulmer owned by the Mennonites was for sale, the 
fledgling church made contact with them, and the owners agreed to sell. The 
members of Mt. Joy were elated to have a holiness church in Ulmer in which to 
worship and serve God; and

Whereas, during his 
tenure as pastor, Elder Summers was exalted to bishop and was responsible for 
many wonderful works. Under his leadership, the following organizations were 
established: the Adult Missionary Department, Youth Department, Adult Choir, 
Youth Choir, and the Gospelettes. In addition, he was responsible for building 
restrooms at the entrance of the church, as well as a baptismal pool completed 
shortly before his untimely death in March l981; and

Whereas, immediately 
thereafter, Mother Bertha Summers took the helm and began preaching the gospel 
of deliverance. She was ordained to eldership in June 1983. An extraordinary 
leader who counseled, gave advice, and prayed for many people, she had a desire 
to expand the building in order to improve efficacy. Many financial 
institutions refused to loan the church the needed funds; however, by faith the 
project was started and eventually completed. This included a pastor's study, 
social hall, and three restrooms. The church was rededicated on November 16, 
1986. Further, during Mother Bertha Summers' tenure, a Men's Day was initiated, 
as were additional enhancements to the exterior of the church. Until her 
passing in December 2011, Eldress Summers was a dynamic preacher who taught and 
lived by faith; and

Whereas, the church was 
not left without a leader as Minister Willie Priester was elevated to eldership 
and installed as pastor in January 2012. He continues to preach the word of 
deliverance and expects miracles every day. During his tenure as pastor, he has 
established trustees to care for the church's affairs and monthly celebrations 
for birthday recipients. Additionally, he presided over the completion of the 
church's new edifice, which was finished in August 2018; and

Whereas, Mt. Joy 
Holiness Church has been a beacon of light and a community worship center in 
the Ulmer area for fifty-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, congratulate Mt. Joy Holiness Church of Ulmer on the 
occasion of its fifty-second anniversary and commend the church for more than a 
half-century of service to God and the community.

Be it further resolved 
that a copy of this resolution be presented to Mt. Joy Holiness Church.

----XX----

This web page was last updated on January 15, 2026 at 11:07 AM