Senate Resolution 10EX
By: Senators Davenport of the 17th, James of the 28th, Rhett of the 33rd, Howard of the
35th, Mangham of the 55th and others
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing and commending Philadelphia Baptist Church on the occasion of its 153rd
anniversary; and for other purposes.
WHEREAS, Philadelphia Baptist Church was founded by a small group of men who
gathered together in the fall of 1873 after harvesting their crops—with a great desire for the
spreading of Christianity, they went from home to home singing and praying and decided to
build a place to worship; and
WHEREAS, these men built a Brush Arbor with Rev. Hilliard Glass as the first pastor, and
after a short time, a wooden church structure was erected—before the new church building
was completed, Rev. Glass departed this life; and
WHEREAS, in 1901, the trustees of Philadelphia Baptist Church purchased one acre of land
for $15 to build a church; over the years, more property was purchased, and in 1969, the
church was bricked; and
WHEREAS, the line of pastors who contributed to the advancement of Philadelphia Baptist
Church were Rev. R.H. Holland, Rev. R.H. Elliott, Rev. G.W. Lowe, Rev. P.L. Sruggs, Rev.
Frank Strickland, Rev. Mose Aintney, Rev. I.S. Mack, Rev. Sammie Bryant, Rev. H.M.
Alexander, Rev. M.M. McKibbins, Rev. C. Carter., Rev. E. H. Johnson, Rev. A.L.
S. R. 10EX
Humphrey, Rev. J.M. Gates, Rev. H. Hutherson, Rev. A.M. Reeves, Rev. M.M. Solomon,
Rev. J.W. Fielder, Rev. J.W. Person, Rev. G.D. McDuffie, Rev. Willie C. Neal, and present
pastor Rev. Antionio Wyartt; and
WHEREAS, in 2007, under the leadership of Rev. Willie Neal, construction began on the
new edifice, and on October 14 , 2007, the members marched into the new church, giving all
praise and honor to our Lord and Savior JESUS CHRIST; and
WHEREAS, under the leadership of Rev. Antonio Wyartt, the debt was paid off for the new
sanctuary by February 2026, and a mortgage burning ceremony will be held on Sunday, June
28, 2026; and
WHEREAS, a strong deacon board and members have contributed to the success of the
church and led to purchasing property, church vans, and equipment—the members, both past
and present, labored continuously to "Give of their best to the Master," and they have
dedicated their services to the "BABY OF BETHLEMEN" and have erected their church
structure—"TO THAT DOESTH ALL THINGS WELL."
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body
recognize the rich history of Philadelphia Baptist Church, commend its 153 years of
dedicated service to the Lord and community, and extend their warmest best wishes for its
continued growth and success.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed
to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to Philadelphia
Baptist Church.
S. R. 10EX