[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 115 (Thursday, July 11, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E722]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             TRIBUTE TO REVEREND DR. MACK TORISE HINES, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES E. CLYBURN

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 11, 2024

  Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a devoted 
faith leader, pillar of the Florence and Marion county communities, and 
a dear friend. Reverend Dr. Mack Torise Hines, Jr. transitioned from 
this life on Thursday, July 4, 2024. Although he no longer walks among 
us, his spirit will forever live on in the hearts of those who had the 
privilege of knowing him.
  Born on December 2, 1946, in Florence County, South Carolina, 
Reverend Hines attended Florence County public schools and was a proud 
1965 graduate of Wilson High School. After graduating, Dr. Hines 
enrolled at Allen University, where he became involved in various 
organizations, including serving as the Student Government Association 
President and pledging the Omega Psi Phi fraternity. He graduated with 
a Bachelor of Arts degree in History in May 1969. He later furthered 
his spiritual education by earning a Bachelor of Divinity degree from 
Morris College in 1980, followed by a Doctor of Ministry degree from 
Hood Theological Seminary in 2005.
  From an early age, Reverend Hines knew that he would be a preacher. A 
spiritual journey that began at his childhood church eventually led 
Reverend Hines to his first pastorate at Fork Chapel Baptist Church in 
Dillon, South Carolina. He later served at three additional churches 
before being called to St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in Mullins, 
South Carolina, where he would serve faithfully for 40 years. During 
his tenure, Reverend Hines led revivals that touched the hearts and 
inspired the souls of many Christians. He was also a leader in the 
South Carolina and national faith communities, serving as Past 
Secretary of the S.C. Baptist E & M Convention, Assistant Secretary of 
the National Baptist Convention, and Clerk and Moderator of the Pee Dee 
Baptist Association.
  Reverend Hines' legacy extends far beyond the pulpit. A staunch 
advocate for education, Reverend Hines served as an educator in 
Florence public schools for 12 years, and later co-founded Wilson 
Clergy, which awards scholarships to graduates of his beloved alma 
mater, Wilson High School. He later served as the Vice-Chairman and 
Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Morris College, one of South 
Carolina's Historically Black Colleges, where he was awarded an 
Honorary Doctor of Divinity degree for his outstanding leadership in 
South Carolina.
  Reverend Hines always ensured he lived what he preached. As a 
lifelong member of the NAACP, Reverend Hines was actively involved in 
the political and government decisions that affected his community. In 
1995, he became the first African American to represent House Seat 59 
in the South Carolina General Assembly and was later awarded the Order 
of the Palmetto, South Carolina's highest civilian honor, by Governor 
Mark Sanford in recognition of his 12 years of distinguished service to 
the people of South Carolina. Reverend Hines received various 
additional accolades and awards throughout his remarkable career, 
including having a portion of Highway 76 in Marion County named in his 
honor.
  While a shepherd of souls in his community, Reverend Hines was a 
devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was married to the former 
Gladys Jackson of Darlington, South Carolina. This holy union produced 
three beautiful children--Mack III, Michael, and Gregory. His family is 
a testament to his unwavering compassion, devotion, and values that 
characterized his ministry and service.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues join me in remembering 
the remarkable life of Reverend Dr. Mack Torise Hines, Jr. May his 
family and loved ones find comfort in the knowledge that his legacy 
will endure, and may they be granted the Lord's richest blessings in 
the days ahead.

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