TO CONGRATULATE THE REVEREND DR. M. KEITH MCDANIEL ON HIS FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF GOSPEL MINISTRY AS SENIOR PASTOR OF SPARTANBURG'S MACEDONIA MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH, TO RECOGNIZE HIM FOR HIS POSITIVE INFLUENCE ON THE COMMUNITY, 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 succor the souls of men; and

Whereas, the Reverend Dr. M. Keith McDaniel of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in Spartanburg stands among their number as an outstanding minister of the Gospel, one much admired by colleagues, congregation, and area residents at large; and

Whereas, in preparation for his ministry, Dr. McDaniel graduated with honors from Shaw University, where he majored in religion and philosophy and minored in business management. He continued his studies at Duke Divinity School in Durham, North Carolina, and United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio, and received a master's degree in divinity and a doctoral degree in ministry; and

Whereas, this native of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, is a passionate preacher and teacher of the Gospel. Since his calling to Macedonia, more than eight hundred souls have joined the congregation, bringing church membership to one thousand three hundred. Dr. McDaniel's ministry promotes reconciliation and redemption in such a way that lives are transformed by the power and mercy found in God's Word; and

Whereas, under his leadership, early-morning worship services have been implemented, and new ministries and worship opportunities have been added, including, among others, the Vision Committee, Youth Rites of Passage, Women of Purpose, Ministry Month, Men of Vision, Young Adult Choir, and Word of Wednesdays; and

Whereas, in 2011, Dr. McDaniel completed his first written work, Live Your Kingdom Life Now, and in 2014 he followed with his second effort, If God Be for Us. In 2007, he was invited to Harvard University to participate in a program that focused on economic development and community revitalization; and

Whereas, currently secretary of Spartanburg County Baptist Association, he has preached and lectured at churches, colleges, and universities throughout the country. As a professor at USC Upstate, he teaches African-American studies. Further, he is chair of the Spartanburg Village Network Board of Directors and sits on the boards of United Way of the Piedmont and Spartanburg County Housing Development; and

Whereas, Keith McDaniel considers it one of the proudest achievements of his life that he was able to persuade the lovely Latron McDaniel to be his wife. The McDaniels are the joyful parents of Marceo Keith, Jr., Madison, Savion, and Kensley; and

Whereas, noted as a humble, courageous man of Christian character, Pastor McDaniel has demonstrated to others how to be "steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord"; and

Whereas, the House of Representatives, cognizant of his many years of spiritual nourishment of the people of South Carolina, extends grateful thanks to Dr. McDaniel and wishes 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, congratulate the Reverend Dr. M. Keith McDaniel on his fifth anniversary of gospel ministry as senior pastor of Spartanburg's Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, recognize him for his positive influence on the community, 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 Dr. M. Keith McDaniel.