Ralph Norman

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Mike Wallace for his many years of service to South Carolina. Through 28 years of work with the York Baptist Association, Mike has helped strengthen local churches, I support missions, and bring people together through faith and service.

Mike was born and raised in Charleston, South Carolina, before moving to York County in 1993. He answered his call to ministry during his freshman year at North Greenville University in 1980. He continued his education at Baptist College of Charleston and later earned a Master of Divinity from Southwestern Theological Seminary. These experiences helped prepare him for a life dedicated to ministry and serving others.

As Mike began his work in ministry, he came to recognize a particular calling to missions. While serving as an associate pastor, he led his church on nine mission trips and witnessed firsthand the difference these efforts could make in people's lives. Seeing individuals and communities grow through these experiences helped shape his path and ultimately led him to dedicate his career to mission development and outreach.

In 1998, Mike joined the York Baptist Association as Mission Development Director, helping local churches carry out their missions and reach more people through the Gospel. He later became Missions Strategist in 2016, a role that allowed him to deepen his understanding of York County and the needs of its communities. Through this work, he helped churches build connections, strengthen their outreach, and fulfill their shared mission of making disciples and reaching people for Christ. His years of service reflect a commitment to helping local congregations make a meaningful difference in the lives of those around them.

Throughout his career, Mike has demonstrated that service is about more than holding a position. It is about building relationships, supporting others, and remaining committed to a purpose greater than oneself. His work has left a lasting mark on the York Baptist Association and the broader community. Through his leadership and dedication, he has helped strengthen the churches and relationships that will continue this work for years to come.

Mike's commitment to faith and service has also been supported by his family. He and his wife, Tammy, have been married for more than 40 years and have raised two sons, Michael and Joshua. Together, they have built a family grounded in faith, service, and commitment to others. Their support has been an important part of Mike's life and the work he has carried out throughout his career.

I congratulate Mike Wallace on his retirement and thank him for 28 years of dedicated service to the York Baptist Association and the people of South Carolina. His commitment to ministry, missions, and his community leaves a legacy that will continue to benefit others for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize First Baptist Church of Blacksburg, South Carolina, for nearly 150 years of ministry.

First Baptist Church of Blacksburg was organized on December 4, 1876, as Berea Baptist Church. It grew out of Antioch Baptist Church, which originated from Buffalo Baptist Church, one of the oldest churches in South Carolina. Reverend W.L. Brown served as its first pastor and led a congregation of fifty. The original church building stood near the corner of Highway 29 and Mountain Street, where it served not only as a place of worship but also as a school and meeting hall.

As the congregation grew, church leaders began planning for a new facility. In 1909, B. J. Gold, J.F. Cline, R.A. Westbrooks, Mary Earle, and Ed Turner formed a committee to find a suitable location. After an initial land donation fell through, the church purchased property at the corner of Cherokee and Rutherford Streets for $500 under the leadership of Reverend C.W. Payseur. Construction began in the spring of 1912, and the first service was held that June. With the move to its new building, the congregation adopted the name First Baptist Church of Blacksburg.

Over the decades, First Baptist Church of Blacksburg has continued to grow and adapt to meet the needs of its congregation and the surrounding community. As the church expanded, it invested in its facilities and created more opportunities for worship, fellowship, and community activities. These efforts reflect the commitment of generations of members who have worked to sustain the church's ministry and ensure it remains an important part of life in Blacksburg. Through periods of growth and change, the congregation has remained dedicated to sharing the Gospel and providing a place where people can gather in faith and fellowship.

In January 2025, First Baptist Church of Blacksburg called Dr. Wayne Brown as its 31st pastor. Dr. Brown is the first pastor in the church's history to have been raised in the congregation, ordained there, and called to lead it. His appointment is a meaningful milestone for the church and reflects the strong ties it has maintained with the community across generations. As the congregation looks to the future, it does so with a history shaped by faithful leadership and the continued commitment of its members.

As First Baptist Church of Blacksburg approaches its 150th anniversary this December, its history serves as a reminder of the lasting contributions that local churches make to their communities. For nearly a century and a half, the congregation has brought people together through worship, fellowship, and service. Its continued presence in Blacksburg reflects the faith, generosity, and dedication of those who have helped build and sustain its ministry. The church's legacy is not only found in its history but also in the generations of people whose lives have been touched by its work.

I congratulate First Baptist Church of Blacksburg on nearly 150 years of ministry and commend its congregation for its longstanding commitment to the people of Blacksburg and the surrounding community. I am grateful for the role the church has played in South Carolina and pray for God's continued blessings on its congregation and its ministry for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Bobby Plair, a South Carolinian whose legacy reflects unwavering leadership, patriotism, and excellence.

Born in Rock Hill, South Carolina on March 22, 1927, Bobby grew up in the Crawford Road community where he spent most of his life. Shortly after graduating Friendship High School in 1945, Bobby served in the United States Marine Corps and trained at Montford Point, North Carolina. The Montford Point Marines were the first African Americans to serve in the United States Marine Corps. At a time when African American recruits were segregated and excluded from job opportunities given to their fellow servicemen, these recruits demonstrated excellence and helped further the integration of our Armed Forces. Bobby was assigned to Saipan, an island in the Pacific, where he served until the end of World War II. In 2012, Bobby was recognized for that service and was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, the Nation's highest civilian honor.

After being honorably discharged in 1946, Bobby earned his degree from North Carolina A&T and began his career as an educator, band director, and musician. Bobby's first pursuit was sparking a passion for music in students. After starting school bands in Foil Mill and Great Falls, Bobby served as chorale director at Clinton Junior College in his home community. Bobby later went to Finley High School as the band director and taught in Chester, South Carolina.

While teaching, Bobby was an entrepreneur and ran several businesses. One of those businesses was a Plairs grocery store located on Simrill Street in Rock Hill. The store became a staple of the community and has been in business for over five decades. Bobby was also very successful in real estate, purchasing and renting property across Rock Hill. His most notable purchase was the Old Herman Church on Dave Lyle Boulevard, where he attended church. The church is also the site of the first school for African Americans in Rock Hill, an important place during the civil rights movement.

Through all of his professional achievements, Bobby was a devoted family man. He and his wife Juanita had been married for over fifty years and raised three children, Sarah, Victor, and Bobby, Jr., who shared his love of music. Bobby was truly a man of strong character, whose life's work has made a meaningful impact on countless individuals.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of South Carolina, I am proud to recognize Bobby's unmatched commitment to our Nation, state, and community. His servant leadership leaves a legacy that will continue to inspire generatIons to come.