TO HONOR THE REVEREND ALONZA A. WASHINGTON, PASTOR OF WALLINGFORD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN CHARLESTON, FOR HIS MANY YEARS OF GOSPEL MINISTRY, TO CONGRATULATE HIM ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT, AND TO WISH HIM GOD'S RICHEST BLESSINGS AS HE CONTINUES TO SERVE THE LORD.

Whereas, it is with great pleasure that the South Carolina House of Representatives honors those individuals who give tirelessly of themselves to nurture the souls of mankind; and

Whereas, the Reverend Alonza A. Washington, pastor of Wallingford Presbyterian Church in Charleston, stands among their number as an outstanding minister of the Gospel, one much admired by all who know him; and

Whereas, as a young man, Alonza Washington answered the call of his country, serving as a member of the United States Army during the Vietnam War, where he was wounded. His experiences shaped his thinking and helped him understand the importance of doing God's will in the world; and

Whereas, in preparation for his life's work, this native of Edisto Island earned an associate's degree in 1979 from Trident Technical College of Charleston, a bachelor's degree in 1981 from the Baptist College of Charleston, and a master of divinity degree in 1985 from Johnson C. Smith Seminary in Atlanta. He was ordained on February 9, 1986; and

Whereas, a leader in his denomination and in the community, Reverend Washington has served as moderator of the Atlantic and Charleston Atlantic Presbytery, president of the Black Caucus, chair of the Justice Issue Committee Charleston/Atlantic Presbytery, and chair of the Synod Racial-Ethnic Committee and Committee on Representation. Further, he has served as president of the Sea Island Branch NAACP; chair of Ecumenical Churches Helping Others, which built two new homes and repaired more than fifty others after the devastating effects of Hurricane Hugo; president of Colin McKay Grant Board; and commissioner of the 221st General Assembly Presbyterian Church (USA). These avenues of service represent only a few of his contributions to his church and community; and

Whereas, Reverend Washington currently serves as pastor of Wallingford Presbyterian Church, which sponsors a wide range of ministries organized under his leadership for members and other Tri-County residents of all ages. As pastor of Wallingford Presbyterian, Pastor Washington was instrumental in visioning and developing the Veterans' Housing Project, a four-unit apartment complex opened in February 2015; and

Whereas, Alonza Washington has served as interim pastor of Congruity Presbyterian Church in Gable, Wallingford Presbyterian Church in Charleston, and Westminster Presbyterian Church in Alcolu. In addition to his further service as pastor of Wallingford Presbyterian, he has ministered in the same capacity at Hebron-Zion Presbyterian Church on Johns Island; and

Whereas, the House of Representatives, cognizant of his many years of spiritual nourishment of the people of this great State, takes great pleasure in commending Reverend Washington and in wishing him God's best as he continues to run the race the Lord has set before him. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, honor the Reverend Alonza A. Washington, pastor of Wallingford Presbyterian Church in Charleston, for his many years of Gospel ministry, congratulate him on the occasion of his retirement, and wish him God's richest blessings as he continues to serve the Lord.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be provided to the Reverend Alonza A. Washington.