Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, it is an honor today, one of the greatest honors I have had in Congress, to welcome Pastor Charles Jackson, Sr., of Brookland Baptist Church, West Columbia, Lexington County, South Carolina. Pastor Jackson is a longtime family friend of our whole family. He actually began preaching at age 9. He was licensed at age 10. He was ordained at age 12. He became pastor of the church at age 18. And now, he is the longest serving pastor in the Midlands of South Carolina, 40 years of service. He has built a church from nearly 60 members to 7,819 members. And we are so grateful for his success. In fact, two of his members are active members and serve in the district office of the Second District of South Carolina: Earl Brown, a former deacon of the church, is our deputy director, and special assistant is Beverly Carter. So we truly identify. There are now 65 ministries in this church; the sanctuary, 2,300 seating. He provides a credit union, a banquet facility, a foundation. It really serves the people of the Midlands of South Carolina. I am grateful to be here with my colleague, Congressman Jim Clyburn, who also knows what an extraordinary person Pastor Jackson is. He is also a successful family man. His wife, Robin, is here. As first lady of the church, she is a beloved person in our community. Additionally, their son Charles is pastor of the New Laurel Street Baptist Church, and we are very grateful.…”