- Record: Extensions of Remarks
- Section type: Recognition
- Chamber: House
- Date: May 20, 2026
- Congress: 119th Congress
- Why this source matters: Extensions of Remarks are statements submitted for the official record, even if they were not spoken live on the floor.
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.
part of both his community and, notably, of Sutton Branch Baptist Church.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.