[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 86 (Wednesday, May 20, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E474]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING DEACON EMERITUS CHARLES AUGUSTUS WOOD OF SUTTON BRANCH 
                             BAPTIST CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RALPH NORMAN

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 20, 2026

  Mr. NORMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Charles Augustus 
Wood, a man of exceptional character and an outstanding leader from 
Kershaw County, South Carolina.
  Charles has spent his life in South Carolina and has become a central 
part of both his community and, notably, of Sutton Branch Baptist 
Church.
  Charles grew up farming in South Carolina and attending Sutton 
Baptist Church in Lugoff. He attended Wood's School and later went on 
to graduate as third in his class from Jackson High School in 1954. 
Just a few years later, he married his beautiful wife, Gladys, in 1959. 
It was after hearing a sermon at Sutton Branch Baptist Church that 
Charles first felt a calling to give his life to Christ, a calling that 
he followed at the age of 24 when he was baptized.
  Charles immersed himself in his church community, ushering, assisting 
community members in getting to church on Sundays, teaching Sunday 
school, serving as Sunday school superintendent, and filling various 
other roles wherever he was needed. He immersed himself in every part 
of Church life, including in the men's choir, and in Christian 
education conventions to broaden his understanding of God's word.
  He was one of the first trustees initiated at Sutton Branch Baptist 
Church, and helped to establish a burial committee at the Church. In 
1977, Charles was invited to serve as an armor bearer for pastors and 
to minister to the congregation as a deacon at Sutton Baptist. He was 
soon after ordained deacon in January of 1977. What an honor.
  Since that time, Charles has worked tirelessly to counsel numerous 
individuals, to celebrate births and baptisms, to visit the sick, lead 
church administration, make visits to hospitals, mentor church youth, 
and so much more. He has constantly been a force for joy and a pillar 
of wisdom, acting as a confidant to any who might need it, and an aid 
to pastors as he served as a deacon.
  Charles went on to become Vice Chairman of the Deacon Board, and 
later on Chairman. He has faithfully watched over multiple generations 
at Sutton Baptist, and throughout his time at Sutton, has been a 
constant devoted witness to Christ.
  In both 1971 and 1972, Charles was recognized with the Man of the 
Year Award, and was presented with a plaque for outstanding service to 
Sutton Baptist in 1996. He was again honored with a Certificate of 
Appreciation in 2023. In 2024, Deacon Charles was recognized as the 
Oldest Living Active Member of Sutton Baptist.
  His accomplishments are outstanding. Deacon Charles will be resigning 
as Chairman of the Deacon Board and as deacon on May 31, 2026. He has 
been, and always will be, an invaluable part of the Church and 
community which he has so faithfully served. His life of mentorship, 
faithfulness, and true servitude will never be forgotten.

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