Drive along Sunset Boulevard in West Columbia and take a look at the expansive campus of Brookland Baptist Church. A sanctuary that seats 2,300 with a choir of 200; a Conference Center that accommodates big crowds for meetings and meals; a Child Development Center serving a widespread membership; a Credit Union, a Food and Clothing Bank; and assorted offices scattered across the property with its spacious parking lot.

This church, slightly more than 100 years old, came into being on Lacy Street through the vision of six women and two husbands in the late 1800s. By the time of its official founding in 1902, it had its first pastor, the Rev. J. R. Brown. Now, its ninth pastor, the Rev. Charles B. Jackson Sr., presides over a large congregation involved in some 65 ministries.

Dr. Jackson responded to the call to serve God and began preaching at the age of nine. At 12 years old, he was ordained; at 18, he was installed as pastor of Brookland Baptist, where he has served for 39 years. He holds honorary as well as earned degrees in theology, has traveled widely preaching revivals and delivering lectures, and been awarded many honors including the Order of the Palmetto presented by Governor Jim Hodges.

Brookland Baptist Church, 1066 Sunset Blvd. West Columbia SC The influence of Brookland Baptist has been felt across the Midlands. Where this congregation sees a need, it forms a response. They seek to serve the homeless, discouraged, needy, or those in any difficulty. They list 65 active ministries: Christian education, scholarship fund, prayer, parenting, pediatrics, senior citizens, prison, evangelism, counseling, clothes bank, food bank, soup kitchen, and many more.

By serving the people around them as well as their God, this congregation’s motto is “The Church that Glorifies God and Edifies Humanity.”

The church continues its path of expansion. In 2008, the Lexington District Two School Board awarded Brookland the former Lakeview/Northside school, a 94,000– square–foot educational facility on 11 acres of land, to be converted into the Brookland–Lakeview Empowerment Center. Later that same year, Brookland became one church in two locations, opening a new facility at Brookland Baptist Church Northeast.

Dr. Jackson invites the Midlands community to join in their ministries. “You will receive a blessing from our uplifting and inspiring worship, informative, and life–giving Christian educational opportunities, and impactful and meaningful ministries of service and good will. Come share with us and know Him who loves us and gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”