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2018 SESSION
18100675DWHEREAS, for 150 years, Galilee Baptist Church in Branchville has served the Southampton community by providing spiritual leadership, fellowship, and opportunities for worship; and
WHEREAS, Galilee Baptist Church traces its roots to 1867, when a group of Christian believers began holding spiritual gatherings, first in private homes and then in a bush harbor and an old school building; and
WHEREAS, Galilee Baptist Church’s first official pastor was the Reverend Hiram Clemons, who served until 1879; under his leadership and that of his successor, Pastor L. Harris, the worshippers erected their first church building on the same plot of land where the modern church now stands; and
WHEREAS, during the tenure of Galilee Baptist Church’s next pastor, the Reverend Solomon N. Daughtrey, the church community grew in size with the help of its Deacon Board and Trustee Board; the women of the church also organized a “Sister’s Aid Circle,” or Missionary Circle, to aid in church activities; and
WHEREAS, in 1932, the original Galilee Baptist Church building burned in a fire, but the church community banded together and ensured it was immediately rebuilt; during the 1940s, the new building was extensively remodeled; and
WHEREAS, Galilee Baptist Church continued to expand under the leadership of Pastor C. P. Madison, who oversaw the beginning of its Youth Church and the training of young deacons; he was followed by a series of leaders, including Pastors Hylton L. James, Robert L. Brown, and Theodore H. Wood; and
WHEREAS, in 1967, Pastor Abraham I. Walton, Sr., took over the Galilee Baptist Church flock; his seven-year tenure saw the revival of Youth Day Services, a major church renovation, and maintenance on the church cemetery; and
WHEREAS, Galilee Baptist Church was next led by Pastor Victor P. Wells and then Pastor William E. Ruffin, who oversaw the initiation of a church annex to facilitate fellowship among members; and
WHEREAS, Galilee Baptist Church’s current pastor, Willie Lowell Diggs, took over as church leader in 1988; his 29-year tenure is the longest of any pastor in the church’s history and has seen the church grow in size and continue to serve as a force for righteousness in the local community; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Galilee Baptist Church for its service to the residents of Southampton County on the occasion of its 150th anniversary; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Galilee Baptist Church as an expression of the General Assembly’s admiration for its long legacy of spiritual leadership and community outreach.