TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE REVEREND DR. GREGORY ALLAN GROOMS, SR., CHAPLAIN OF ALLEN UNIVERSITY, FOR HIS THIRTY YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE SCHOOL AND TO WISH HIM CONTINUED SUCCESS AND FULFILLMENT IN ALL HIS FUTURE ENDEAVORS.

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives is pleased to learn that the Reverend Dr. Gregory Allan Grooms, Sr., chaplain of Allen University, will be honored in March 2015 for a distinguished career at that institution spanning three decades; and

Whereas, in preparation for his life's work, in 1974 this native of West Virginia earned his bachelor's degree at Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia, followed by a master of divinity from Turner Theological Seminary (Interdenominational Theological Center, Atlanta, Georgia) in 1980. In 1995, he completed his doctor of ministry at Drew University in Madison, New Jersey; and

Whereas, Dr. Grooms has served Allen University since 1985 in many capacities, including recruiter, financial aid counselor, senior class advisor, Strategic Planning Committee chair, Allen University Board of Trustees faculty representative, president of its faculty council, the first coordinator of the Cultural Academic Religious Series, and chair of the Humanities and Religion Divisions. Presently, he serves as Allen's chaplain and dean of Dickerson Theological Seminary. However, he is best known and loved by his students for his outstanding classroom performance and inimitable style of teaching at plenary sessions for lay and clergy alike; and

Whereas, in addition, as an AME minister of the Gospel, Dr. Grooms has served as pastor to several churches. He began his ministry in 1979 at Mount Carmel AME (Gray Court) and successively served at Bethel AME (Conway), Ebenezer AME (Mullins), Bethel AME (Union), White Hall AME (Jenkinsville), Saint James AME (Columbia), and Saint Phillip AME (Eastover), where he began serving in 1998 and continues to serve; and

Whereas, Dr. Grooms finds strength for his labors in the strong support of his wife, Minnie Dixon Grooms; his sons, Gregory, Jr., and Alonzo; and his grandson, Gregory A. Grooms III. When relaxing, he delights in playing basketball with the boys, reading, and watching sports events and cartoons; and

Whereas, in summing up the character of this man of God, few statements surpass this blog comment by one of his many admirers: "A twenty-first century Renaissance man of education, Dr. Grooms has given the word 'apostle' a modern twist. He is an advocate, a supporter, a champion, a proponent, and a true believer in the adage that knowledge is power, and he devotes his personhood to making sure that information is not only available, but delivered in such a way that no one can walk away not having been inspired, informed, and empowered to go forth and continue to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ"; and

Whereas, the House of Representatives, grateful for the legacy of consistent commitment and excellence Dr. Grooms has bestowed on this great State, takes great pleasure in wishing him well as he continues serving the Lord at Allen University, as ever to the benefit and blessing of many. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and honor the Reverend Dr. Gregory Allan Grooms, Sr., chaplain of Allen University, for his thirty years of dedicated service to the school and wish him continued success and fulfillment in all his future endeavors.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be provided to the Reverend Dr. Gregory Allan Grooms.