Terry C. Wilder, pastor of of Swansea First Baptist Church, recently was presented the Order of the Palmetto, the state’s highest honor for a civilian.
Wilder, left, accepts the Order of the Palmetto from Rep. Harry L. Ott Jr.The award was presented by Harry L. Ott Jr., South Carolina House minority leader, at a celebration service marking Wilder’s tenure in Swansea. The morning-long celebration marked Wilder’s 20th year of service in the community and as pastor of Swansea First Baptist.
Representative Kit Spires also presented Wilder with a proclamation declaring it “Terry Wilder Day.”
The pastor spoke to a packed congregation of well wishers. “I’m very honored and humbled by this award,” he said, thanking friends, family members, the church family and community members for allowing him the opportunity to serve the church and community. “I look forward to the future and the blessings God has in store for us.”
Wilder and his wife Kathy were showered with gifts, including a trip to the Western states, from which they just returned.