Rev Dr. Bernard J. Gadsden is the son of Mrs. Mae Gadsden and the late Rev. Jeronica Gadsden.  He was born in Bolton, South Carolina.  He is married to his supportive wife, Georgetta Parker Gadsden.  They share in the love of one son, Bernard Jr.  Reverend Gadsden heard the call  and accepted the will of God.  He was ordained in May of 1983.  He began his ministry at First Baptist in December of 1984 and was installed as the official pastor in March 1985.  Rev. Gadsden graduated from Wallace High School of St. Andrews Parish in 1965.  He received the following degrees: A.S. Degree in Civil Engineering  - Trident Technical College, North Charleston, S.C, B.S. Degree in Organizational Management - Voorhees College, Denmark, S.C, M.S. degree in Theology - Cummins Theological Memorial Seminary, Summerville, S.C. and an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters Degree from Canaan Bible College, North Charleston, S.C.  Rev. Gadsden serves the Greater Charleston and James Island communities as a member of:

•  North Charleston Branch of the NAACP,

•  CUSC (Churches United to Save Our City)

•  Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Sea Island Comprehensive Health Care Corporation

•  former Chairman of the Board of Directors of the James Island Outreach

•  Executive Board and treasurer of the Old Ashley Baptist Association

•  Board of Directors of the Canaan Bible College

•  Vice President of the James Island Action Interfaith Committee

•  Former Steward of the AFGE (American Federation of Government Employees) 

Reverend Gadsden has served as pastor at First Baptist for 26 years.  He believes, "To whom much is given, much is required", and his philosophy is "If I can help somebody as I pass along, if I can spread the love message that the master taught, if I can show somebody the he is travelling wrong, then my living will not be in vain.