Reverend Dr. Charles A. DeLaughter is a proud native of Madison, Florida. Before answering the call to serve in Columbia, he was deeply involved with Damascus Missionary Baptist Church, where he served faithfully as a deacon. On September 7, 1980, he was licensed to preach the Gospel and ordained into ministry. He also served as Assistant Pastor at Shiloh Baptist Church in Madison, Florida.

Dr. DeLaughter is well-educated, holding a Bachelor of Arts degree from Florida State University in Tallahassee, a Master of Arts degree from Barry University in Miami, and a Doctoral degree from the University of South Carolina in Columbia.

On March 2, 1986, he became the fifth pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church. Under his leadership, the church has flourished, benefiting from his caring, dedicated, and exemplary service. Pastor DeLaughter is committed to the proclamation of the Gospel and the spiritual growth of the congregation.

In addition to his pastoral duties, Pastor DeLaughter is also the principal of Mill Creek Elementary School, where he continues to impact the lives of young people. He is a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Pastor DeLaughter is married to the formal Linda Diane Darling, a native of Nassau, Bahamas. Together, they have two children, Charles II and Charlene, a daughter-in-law, Triva Lana, and two grandchildren, Sidney and Ayeden Nehemiah.

Dr. DeLaughter firmly believes that a fulfilling and meaningful life is found through a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ and dedicated service to others.