Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-05-20

RECOGNIZING DEACON EMERITUS CHARLES AUGUSTUS WOOD OF SUTTON BRANCH BAPTIST CHURCH

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On 2026-05-20, Representative Ralph Norman (R-SC-5) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING DEACON EMERITUS CHARLES AUGUSTUS WOOD OF SUTTON BRANCH BAPTIST CHURCH" in the House.

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RECOGNIZING DEACON EMERITUS CHARLES AUGUSTUS WOOD OF SUTTON BRANCH BAPTIST CHURCH

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 86 (Wednesday, May 20, 2026) [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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RECOGNIZING DEACON EMERITUS CHARLES AUGUSTUS WOOD OF SUTTON BRANCH BAPTIST CHURCH Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 86 (Wednesday, May 20, 2026) [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. ____________________