Many notable people showed up Oct. 17 to honor Charles Jackson, as West Columbia’s Brookland Baptist Church celebrated his 50th anniversary as pastor.

“It is with a heart filled with praise and spirit overflowing and with thanksgiving that I say thank you,” Jackson said of the observance. He said he appreciated the “kind expressions of love and support.”

“If anybody deserves to be celebrated, Dr. Charles Jackson deserves it,” said James Hall Jr. of Triumph Baptist Church, noting that Jackson preaches revival at his Philadelphia church every year.

First Lady Jill Biden, who came to the celebration, said she felt betrayed after her son Beau died of brain cancer. Biden said she was moved by a service in 2019 at Brookland Baptist Church and it helped her recover her faith.

Biden is a prayer partner with Robin Jackson, Charles Jackson’s wife.

“I am honored to be with you here today to celebrate 50 years of Pastor Jackson’s leadership here at Brookland,” the First Lady said. “It’s an incredible milestone in a career that has had immeasurable influence on this city, this state, and as others before me have said, even our country.”

State Sen. Nikki Setzler, via video, lauded Jackson’s accomplishments and thanked him for his personal friendship. U.S. Rep. James Clyburn sent a letter about Jackson’s contributions that was read during the service.

West Columbia City Councilman Mickey Pringle read a City of West Columbia Resolution presented to Jackson upon his 50 years as Brookland Baptist pastor. West Columbia Mayor Tem Miles was at the service, too. Others who were at the church to honor Jackson were IS Leevey Johnson Jr., Jackson’s son Rev. Charles Jackson, Jr., Jackson’s daughter, Candace Shiver, and Pastor Dr. Wendell Estep, who retired from Columbia First Baptist Church in 2018.

University of South Carolina men’s basketball coach Frank Martin and his team also came to the event.