Letters to the Editor: published Feb. 25

Senator say new plant is a start on addressing needs

Dear Editor,

There has been a lot of discussion lately relative to the construction of a new coal burning power plant by Santee Cooper in the Pee Dee area. The plans are to build two 600-mega watt coal-fired units in southern Florence County.

It is essential that this plant be built, as Santee Cooper will be short in power supply as early as 2012. All four of the power suppliers in South Carolina could be short in power supply by 2013. Our unemployment rate is at 9.5 percent in South Carolina and according to the state’s economic advisors, it could reach 14 percent.

We must move forward quickly and nor allow South Carolina to be short of power at a time when we should be building our economy and regaining jobs. We cannot allow this state to be at the mercy of other states and power systems when we can have long tern assurance and stability by building and controlling our own power systems.

Adequate electricity is the key to economic development. If we have too much power, we can sell the excess to others states and reduce the rate for South Carolina consumers. If we have too little, we will have brown outs and black outs and will close down economic development and send new jobs to other states.

We are advised that almost 2,000 new jobs will be created in one of the poorest regions of the state by the construction of this facility. We must begin building soon in order to get power production underway by 2012 to prevent difficulties with a shortage of supply. Beyond this coal power plant, we must continue to conserve and look for other methods to produce electricity. The ultimate goal is to have an affordable, adequate supply so that older, inefficient, polluting power plant can be closed to help protect our environment.
Sincerely,
Dick Elliott
Senate District #28
Horry, Dillon, Marion, and Marlboro Counties

St. Stephens Baptist Church shares its 60 years of history

Dear Editor,

The word Ekklesia is the Greek word translated to “Church …” Some may think that church history is irrelevant to many Christians, but church history plays a vital part to our understanding of the institution of the Christian Church. The Rev. Ellison Johnson, a devoted husband, father and minister, purchased a parcel of land and … began a structure that is known today as St. Stephen Baptist Church.

Rev. Johnson, a true man of God whose motto was “Give God your best” and whose mission was to preach and teach the gospel of the kingdom of God and to save souls, (exemplified) “I must preach the kingdom of God, because for this purpose, I have sent.” (Luke 4:43). In 1948, Rev. Johnson knew his calling was to build this church and he knew he had to give more of himself to God’s people. After completion of the church, Rev. Johnson and his wife, Sister Cordie Johnson and their 10 children, (all which are deceased now) began the spirit filled services … the church began to grow physically and spiritually …

The Deacon Board was organized with three deacons, the late Deacons Luther Johnson, Robert Thompson and Acie Johnson. Other boards were formed such as the Usher Board, Missionary Board and other church positions.

In 1951, God reclaimed this mighty warrior from the battlefield of life as Rev. Johnson took the flight on the wings of a dove, there became a void, a stillness and a quietness in the church and the community, as he was greatly missed … the family knew they had to keep the legacy going as the late Rev. Samuel Lewis served as the second pastor for many years and the church continued to grow physically and spiritually.

The Rev. William Bradgon was called to serve as the third pastor and three more deacons were added, the late Wilbert Brantley, Clyde Moody and Allen Foxworth. The fourth pastor was the Rev. Cleveland Johnson, who served diligently as the church remained in steady growth. In 1980, under his leadership, the church underwent a complete renovation.

The late Deacon Willie McCloud and Deacon Willie Thompson were added to the deacon board. Rev. Johnson Pastured for 30 years and in 1991 he was called from labor to reward. Other pastors have included the Rev. Edward L. Ford, Elder Don Huff-Man and associate ministers were the late Rev. Clarence Thompson, the late Rev. Johnny Thompson, Rev. Godbolt, Minister Lori Huff-Man, Minister J.C. Thompson, Minster Rebecca Faulk and Minister Linton Hayes.

Today, the St. Stephens Baptist Church is under the leadership of the Rev. Marvin Hemingway, pastor. The church has undergone major renovation as Pastor Hemingway is also teaching and preaching the words of God while implementing church government and continuing the legacy of the founding late Pastor Ellison Johnson.

We are still very much blessed by the Lord to have one of our oldest members still with us today, sister Virginia Finklea and she joined the church under the leadership of Pastor Johnson. Our Chairman of the Deacon Board is Willie Thompson and also serving on the board is Deacon Mary Ann Floyd, the granddaughter of the late Pastor Ellison Johnson and our Chairman of the Trustee Board is Sister Victoria Johnson.

Today, as we carry on this legacy, we pray and ask God for guidance to continue to grow spiritually as we press toward the mark for the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
The Johnson family would like thank all the pastors, deacons, trustees, members and friends for their help and support for keeping this legacy alive. Especially to our Pastor, Rev. Hemingway we say continue to be the great warrior that God has ordained you to be and most of all we strive to live your motto: “Whatever you do, let it be real.”
Deacon Mary Ann Floyd