Gov. McMaster sworn in during inaugural ceremony

COLUMBIA, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - Governor Henry McMaster was sworn into office Wednesday during South Carolina’s 98th inaugural ceremony.

Wednesday began with a prayer service at 9 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church on Marion Street. Reverend Dr. Derek W.H. Thomas performed the sermon.

At 11 a.m., the inaugural ceremony was held on the steps of the Statehouse in Columbia. Guests attending the ceremony included former South Carolina governors Richard Riley, David Beasley, Jim Hodges, Mark Sanford and Nikki Haley.

David Wilkins, former S.C. House Speaker & former U.S. Ambassador to Canada, Ed McMullen, former U.S. Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein, and Columbia Mayor Daniel Rickenmann also attended.

Rabbi Johnathan Case of Beth Shalom Synagogue in Columbia delivered the invocation followed by a presentation of colors by The Citadel Color Guard.

During his inaugural speech, McMaster touted South Carolina’s successful businesses and what he called “common sense” during the pandemic. He highlighted education as a key focus for the future of South Carolina.

“Standing here four years ago, I said ‘Being perceived as weak in education is not good. But, being perceived as not committed to fixing it is disastrous’,” McMaster said.

He also called for the preservation of the state’s natural resources.

“I truly believe that if we cannot find peace and comfort in the pine forests and tidal creeks of South Carolina, we’ll just have to wait until we get to Heaven,” he said.

In addition to McMaster, Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette and state officers, including Secretary of Education Ellen Weaver, were sworn in.

On Wednesday afternoon, from 2 to 3:30 p.m., there was an open house hosted by the first family at the Governor’s mansion located on Richland Street.

The final event will be the inaugural ball which takes place from 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. According to officials, the ball is a ticketed event that is already sold out.

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