A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE PORTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA HIGHWAY 417 IN SPARTANBURG COUNTY FROM THE ENOREE RIVER TO SOUTH CAROLINA HIGHWAY 101 "OLD ANTIOCH CHURCH WAY" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE SIGNS OR MARKERS AT THIS LOCATION CONTAINING THESE WORDS.
Summary
H. 4242 is a concurrent resolution that asks the South Carolina Department of Transportation to designate a section of South Carolina Highway 417 in Spartanburg County, from the Enoree River to South Carolina Highway 101, as "Old Antioch Church Way." The resolution also requests that appropriate signs or markers be erected along that stretch of highway. Because it is a resolution rather than a statutory bill, it does not create a new law or regulatory program; instead, it expresses the General Assembly’s request for a commemorative highway naming.
The measure is largely historical and ceremonial in nature. Its text recounts the origins and long history of Antioch Presbyterian Church, including its roots in the 18th century, its organization in 1845, its relocation and reorganization over time, and its 180th anniversary celebration in 2023. The resolution frames the naming as a way to preserve and honor the church’s legacy in the Spartanburg County community.
Impact
If adopted, the resolution would not amend the South Carolina Code or impose legal obligations on private parties. Its practical effect would be to request that the Department of Transportation install signage and recognize the specified portion of Highway 417 with the honorary name "Old Antioch Church Way." The main impact is on roadway designation and public commemoration, with any implementation dependent on DOT action rather than a change in substantive law.
Sentiment
The available text suggests a strongly favorable and respectful sentiment toward the resolution. The bill’s findings are celebratory, emphasizing the church’s long history, religious significance, and community role, and there is no recorded committee debate or vote history indicating opposition. Overall, the measure appears to be a consensus-style honorary naming proposal with a positive tone.
Contention
No specific points of contention are reflected in the provided materials, and there are no committee transcripts or recorded votes to show disagreement. If any concern were to arise, it would likely be limited to the usual questions surrounding honorary road naming—such as whether the designation is appropriate, whether signage costs are justified, or whether the location is the best fit—but none of those issues are documented here. The resolution appears to have been presented as a straightforward tribute to Antioch Presbyterian Church.