Joe Wilson: “the Good Book teaches us that the perseverance of a faithful few can touch the lives of many for the better. During the…”

“the Good Book teaches us that the perseverance of a faithful few can touch the lives of many for the better. During the late 1800s in New Brookland, South Carolina, a small group of men and women met together for prayer and worship. By 1902, the group had grown and the Brookland Baptist Church was founded. For decades, the church has been a refuge of hope, and the church began a new chapter in 1971 when Rev. Charles B. Jackson, Sr., became their ninth pastor at the age of 18. Attracting large crowds of over 4,000 members, the church bought and renovated a nearby shopping center. I am honored that Earl Brown, a deacon, is my special assistant. Today, the church serves the community through HIV-AIDS program, homeless outreach, the Black Male Conference, scouting programs, recreational and tutorial programs, and has even organized a full-service credit union. The church is one of South Carolina's largest African American congregations. This year, as Brookland Baptist Church celebrates its 100th anniversary, it is very easy to see how this once-small group of believers has grown to make the lives of those around them immeasurably improved for the better.”