The Supreme Court of South Carolina

ORDER

On February 4, 2004, the Honorable Roger L. Couch, Master-in-Equity for Spartanburg County was elected and administered the oath of office as a Circuit Court Judge for the 7th Judicial Circuit. The position of Master-in-Equity is now vacant until the position can be screened and filled pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 14-11-20 (Supp. 2003).

IT IS ORDERED that upon the recommendation of the Spartanburg County Legislative Delegation, the Honorable Robert E. Walker, Chair, and pursuant Art. V, § 4, of the South Carolina Constitution, I hereby appoint Gordon Cooper, Esquire as a Special Master-in-Equity for Spartanburg County. This appointment shall commence on Tuesday, February 10, 2004, and shall expire upon the qualification of a permanent Master-in-Equity to fill the balance of the term of the Honorable Roger L. Couch, which expires June 30, 2009.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the Honorable Roger L. Couch, Circuit Judge for the Seventh Judicial Circuit, shall have concurrent jurisdiction as a Special Master-in-Equity for Spartanburg County to dispose of matters that are pending or scheduled for hearing before the master's court. Further, Judge Couch may continue to hear matters that may be filed in the master's court. His authority under this Order shall remain in effect until such time as all master's court matters heard by Judge Couch are disposed. This order is amended nunc pro tunc.

Columbia, South Carolina
February 10, 2004