l-r: Robert Scarboroug, (President, United Methodist Men of the South Carolina Conference), Rev. Clarence "Smoke" Kanipe (Pastor Mauldin UMC - Mauldin, SC), Bishop Mary Virginia Taylor, (Resident Bishop of the SCC UMC) 

article from Rev. Kanipe's nomination form

Rev. Smoke Kanipe Receives Freeman Award in
South Carolina

Smoke has been an active participant in Mauldin UMM functions. He faithfully attends the Monthly Breakfast gatherings where he participates in discussions and fellowship.

He has been a strong advocate of Men being involved in the church and the community.  In the church, he has supported the establishment of a 4th/5th grade Manners class which is led by several dedicated men. Lessons include teaching the boys proper manners around adults, girls, home and in public functions.

The Junior Boys Basketball team, coached by two of the Men of Mauldin UMM, recently was awarded the Mitch Milford Sportsmanship Award at the recent tournament in Summerville. Smoke encourages us to mentor to the young people of the church and has asked several to Mentor to past and current Confirmation classes. Currently there are two past presidents of the Men's Group and one current that are Mentors for this year's class.

Smoke participates in our various fund-raisers lending support in the Turkey Fry, Golf Outing and Shrove Tuesday Pancake dinner. He sets the stage for the Father's Day Program which is led by the UMM in worship including Prayers, song, Children's Sermon and the Message, all given by men of the church.

Smoke was a key proponent in the establishment of a Men's Woodworking shop which has grown considerably since it was established. The Men were able to build all the cabinetry for the recent addition to the church and resulted in a savings of over $20,000 in the building cost. The wood shop continues to offer Flag Cases to families of Veterans whose member has passed away.

A group of the men have assisted other churches in the district who have a need for qualified construction persons to do work in their churches. Some of the projects that have been done include renovations to fellowship halls and, handicap ramps. There is a group that has annually gone to Asbury Hills to do projects that are needed. Smoke's attitude is that we have the skills and we need to share with others.

Smoke has attended conference programs including the Man in the Mirror program in 2009. He is a strong proponent of small groups which are in process of being set up in a regular rotation on Wednesday Night. Currently, there are several small accountability groups that meet under the direction of UMM.

Smoke supports the Scouting program that is sponsored by the UMM. In addition, he has been a tremendous advocate of Missions which have become dominate in our church. He has personally been to Tanzania and welcomes William Malaki of Full Dimensions Ministry to speak at our church annually. He is leading his full support to a new mission family from our church that will be stationed in Amman, Jordan for the next five years.

The Mauldin UMM has the support of Smoke as we provide Prayer Line support from our church on a quarterly basis. He has provided us with information regarding UMM programs as well as other programs that benefit the community and asks that we take a lead. He is active in the Kairos Movement and spends a weekend each year with them.

The most influential effect that Smoke has had on the UMM as well as the church body are his family values and the way he lives his life outside the church. As a Christian man, he is an example to follow in his everyday life by the way he places his family high on his Priority list. He makes sure that he attends his son's sporting events and daughter's interest in Horseback riding. He regularly visits with his ailing mother and will make sure that when he has the time off he spends it with her. He makes sure that his family is taken care of both spiritually and physically.

By his actions, his love of God, the way he walks with Christ is an example for each of the men in Mauldin to live by. Smoke is deserving of this award as he had carried on and expanded the traditions, requirements, opportunities and goals of what the Mauldin UMM stand for. This standard was set by Jerry Temple who previously won this award and Smoke has taken it to a new level.