UMC pastor Ted Morton awarded Order of Palmetto for half-century of service to Greenwood and beyond

South Carolina has awarded its highest civilian honor to a retired United Methodist pastor whose decades of public services have helped the Greenwood community and beyond.

The Rev. Ted Morton Jr. was honored Aug. 13 with the Order of the Palmetto during the August Summer Social of the Cambridge Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, of which Morton serves as chaplain.

In a surprise presentation before the crowd, State Sen. Floyd Nicholson presented him with the honor after lifting up Morton’s half-century of dedicated service. That half-century began in 1968, when Morton was appointed to begin the work of developing what was then a new Methodist retirement community in Greenwood called Greenwood Methodist Home (now Wesley Commons).

His public service work went on to span decades and included bringing the Meals on Wheels program to Greenwood. He retired in 1995 but has remained an active volunteer and public servant.

Awarded by South Carolina’s governor, the Order of the Palmetto goes to people who do significant public service work that makes the community a better place.

Morton, who received a standing ovation, was joined by his family, including his children and a grandson.

He and his wife, Henrietta, celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary Aug. 20.