The answer came in the form of a facility that has since hosted a diverse array of visitors — Black and White, rich and poor, degreed and unlettered. Notable figures that have graced its halls include Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, First Ladies Jill Biden and Michelle Obama, Bernie Sanders, Republican Senator Marco Rubio, former Governor Nikki Haley, Governor Henry McMaster, Attorney General Alan Wilson, and a wide variety of Congressional leaders including Reps. James Clyburn and Joe Wilson.
The center also addressed a historical divide between Richland and Lexington Counties. As a native of Lexington County, Rev. Jackson sought to heal that rift by creating a space where all are welcome.
“If you were Black in Richland County in the ’50s and ’60s, you didn’t come over to Lexington,” Rev. Jackson recalled.
Today, everyone gathers at the Brookland Center.
Economic Empowerment: A Core Mission
Beyond unity, Brookland Baptist Church emphasizes economic empowerment, a rarity among traditional church missions. “Proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ through evangelism, education, and economic empowerment” is the church’s guiding statement. With 204 employees on its payroll, initiatives like the Brookland-Lakeview Empowerment Center, a daycare, and a credit union provide jobs and opportunities, particularly for African Americans.
“If we don’t empower our people, they’re not going to be empowered,” Rev. Jackson said. “My calling is to all, but specifically to African Americans.”
Former South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford (left) greets First Lady Robin Jackson and Rev. Dr. Charles B. Jackson at the grand opening of the Brookland Banquet and Conference Center. Numerous political and business leaders have dined at the Center over its 20-year history.
A Labor of Love, Not Profit
Since its opening, the Brookland Banquet and Conference Center has never turned a profit in its 20 years of operation.
“We try to break even, just cover expenses,” Rev. Jackson admitted. “But we’ve never made a profit—not one single year.”
Yet the doors remain open, a testament to the church’s commitment to community service over financial gain. During the COVID-19 pandemic, this dedication shone brightly: every employee continued to receive a paycheck, even as the facility shut down for nearly a year.
“If I let them go, they still have to pay rent,” Rev. Jackson reasoned. “The church has to be there when others fall on hard times.”
A Lasting Legacy
Rev. Jackson’s leadership has inspired other churches across the country to adopt similar models of community-focused ministry. While he acknowledges the challenges inherent in such undertakings, he remains steadfast in his belief that churches must extend their reach beyond their walls.
As Brookland Baptist continues its mission, Rev. Jackson remains committed to empowering his congregation and community alike. Through decades of service and innovation, Rev. Charles Jackson Sr. has demonstrated that faith can be a powerful catalyst for change—one that uplifts individuals and unites communities across divides.
“The church is not just about Sunday morning worship—it’s about reflecting Jesus Christ through service to others. Jesus had a pedestrian mentality,” he said. “He spent more time outside the church than inside, right where the people were. That’s where the true church is supposed to be.”
