West Columbia Mayor Bobby Horton, Mayor Pro-Tem Tem Miles (pictured), and West Columbia City Council recognized Reverend Kenneth Taylor for his service to the City of West Columbia at the June Regular Council Meeting, Tuesday. Taylor also received a resolution. It is included below.

A Resolution Recognizing Reverend Kenneth Taylor for His Service to the City of West Columbia

Whereas, Reverend Kenneth Taylor was born in Eastover, South Carolina, to the late Mr. Roosevelt Taylor and Mrs. Thelma Taylor. Reverend Taylor graduated from Lower Richland High School in Hopkins, South Carolina. Reverend Taylor attended the University of South Carolina where he obtained his degree in African American History and Accounting; and

Whereas, Reverend Kenneth Taylor was a member of St. Phillip AME Church as a young man and was very active in the youth choir, youth group, and other auxiliaries. Reverend Taylor answered the call to the ministry in 1995 under the pastoral leadership of Reverend Joseph A. Darby; and

Whereas, Reverend Kenneth Taylor received his first pastoral appointment in October 1998 to serve as the founding pastor of the Adams Chapel AME Church in Rock Hill, South Carolina. Reverend Taylor served there for 9 years; and

Whereas, Reverend Kenneth Taylor is presently serving as pastor of Turner Memorial AME Church in West Columbia. Reverend Taylor started the WMS Seniors Birthday Club, Senior Adult Ministry, Young Adult Ministry, Sixteen Hour Volunteers Service Ministry, Turner Cares Ministry, Summer Youth and Daily Adult Feeding Ministries, the GED ministry in partnership with the Nehemiah Project, and the partnership with Next Steps Ministry that empowers the community by providing home repairs throughout West Columbia. Reverend Taylor has achieved many accomplishments for the church including the establishment of a 501(c)3, ConAgra Food grant, LRADAC “Rise Above It” Grant, W.K. Kellogg Foundation Funds, and the Next Steps Ministry Partnership grant; and

Whereas, Reverend Kenneth Taylor currently serves on the board of Turner Child Development Center as Chairman of the Board, USC Public Health Advisory Board, and Brookland Lakeview Empowerment Center Board. He is a member of the West Columbia Rotary Club and the West Columbia Lions Club. Reverend Taylor is also known as the pastor with the melodious voice; and

Now Therefore, Be It Resolved that the Mayor and City Council of the City of West Columbia does hereby recognize Reverend Kenneth Taylor for his commitment and service to the citizens of West Columbia.

Now Therefore Be It Further Resolved that West Columbia City Council wishes to express its gratitude for his positive influence, leadership, and dedication to the City of West Columbia and its citizens.