Gwendolyn R. McNeil, a former resident of Dillon County, was sworn in as the first African-American woman magistrate judge in Georgetown County.
The ceremony took place at the Georgetown Judicial Center on July 1st, and Chief Magistrate Isaac L. Pyatt administered the oath to McNeil, who was accompanied by her husband, Rev. William J. McNeil.
McNeil was appointed by Senator Yancey McGill. She was chosen from among six applicants and received the vote of all 46 senators.
McNeil said she is “very excited and honored in this capacity,” and the she “asks God for an understanding to judge the people, that I may discern from good and bad.”
Senator McGill said that this was a historical moment.
He said while all of the resumes he received were great, that “McNeil’s Christian strength made more difference” to him
“Her love of the Lord, love of the community” and that she has dealt with many young people contributed to her selection.
McNeil is the daughter of Mr. John D. and Mrs. Geraldine Roberts of Latta.