South Carolina S 673: Reverend Thurmond Merchison

Bill Text

2025-2026 Bill 673 Text of Previous Version (May. 28, 2025) - South Carolina Legislature Online 

South Carolina General Assembly
126th Session, 2025-2026

Bill 673

Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter

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

A senate RESOLUTION

TO CONGRATULATE Reverend Thurmond Merchison UPON THE 
OCCASION OF HIS twentieth ANNIVERSARY AS PASTOR OF Friendship Baptist Church 
AND TO COMMEND HIM FOR HIS MANY YEARS OF SERVICE TO HIS CONGREGATION AND THE 
St. Matthews COMMUNITY.

Whereas, the members of 
the South Carolina Senate are pleased to recognize Reverend Thurmond Merchison 
upon the occasion of his twentieth pastoral anniversary on August 10, 2025; and

Whereas, Reverend Merchison 
was born to the late Deacon Bennie and Deaconess Elsie S. Merchison. He is a 
graduate of W. J. Keenan High School in Columbia, Morris College School of 
Religion Extension under the pastoral leadership of Reverend Dr. Blakely N. 
Scott and Allen University. He learned to care for people from his father, a 
postman who frequently traveled to visit with and listen to people in need; and

Whereas, a veteran of 
the United States Army, Reverend Merchison received his call from the Lord while 
stationed at Ft. Lewis, Washington. After an honorable discharge, he returned 
to Columbia, where he and his family joined the Antioch Baptist Church under 
the pastoral leadership of Reverend Dr. Albert Aiken Neal. There he served in 
various capacities, including as a Sunday School teacher; and

Whereas, Reverend Merchison 
was licensed to preach in 1992 and ordained in 1994 at the Antioch Church by 
the Upper Wateree Association. In 2005, he was officially installed as the pastor 
of Friendship Baptist Church in St. Matthews; and

Whereas, under Reverend 
Merchison's leadership, the church sanctuary was reconstructed and other 
modifications were made to the church building. A humble man, he credits all 
his success in ministry to God; and

Whereas, Reverend Merchison 
is married to the former Mrs. Lynne Scott, and together they have a blended 
family; and

Whereas, the members of 
the South Carolina Senate greatly appreciate the ministry of Reverend Merchison 
and his service to Friendship Baptist Church and the St. Matthews community. 
Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate:

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, congratulate Reverend 
Thurmond Merchison upon the occasion of his twentieth anniversary as pastor of Friendship 
Baptist Church and commend him for his many years of service to his 
congregation and the St. Matthews community.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this 
resolution be presented to Reverend Thurmond Merchison.

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This web page was last updated on May 28, 2025 at 12:18 PM