Salem Baptist Church
Building a Better Future
OUR PASTOR
Pastor Stanley Jones was born in Fort Rucker, Alabama. He is the son of the Late Sergeant First Class Freddie Jones and Iona E. Jones.
Pastor Jones is also the first born grandson of the late Mr. Richer and Ruth Fields Jones and Mr. Willie and Lillian Benjamin Ramsey. He is a graduate of Sumter High School, Sumter, SC and continued his education at Benedict College, Columbia, SC. Upon graduation of Benedict College he received his Bachelor of Arts Degree. He also graduated from Beacon University in Columbus, GA, where he received his Masters Degree of Divinity and is currently a Doctoral Candidate for the Doctor of Ministry Degree.
Rev. Jones is the life-long member of the Historic Union Baptist Church of Wedgefield, SC, where he served as a Trustee and later Chief Financial Officer. He served the Wateree Association Lower Division, as the President of the Trustees Auxiliary. Rev. Jones has shared his anointing throughout Sumter County for many years, counseling those in distress, helping those in need and preparing those ready to accept Christ. He spreads God's word with the meditation that "Our mission and ministry are to serve as mediators in our families, our church, and community as we are empowered by the Word of God and His Holy Spirit."
Rev. Jones is married to the former Pamela Yvonne Wright. They have five adult children, Eric Jones, Ph. D. (Valerie), Maurice Jones (Natalie), CPT Christopher Jones (Iris), Dacia Strange (Channing), and Jason Jones. Pastor and Mrs. Jones have eight grand Children and one sister Mrs. Larnie Jones-Caulley (Barnett).
OUR ASSOCIATE PASTOR
Aquilla Kaye Best was born in Seven Springs, NC. First born of Johnnie and Elnora Robinson. Graduated from Carver High School, Mt. Olive, NC. Continued her education by attending Strayer College. Attended Palmer Seminary (Eastern University, Philadelphia area); received a diploma of Pastoral Studies and Associate of Arts in Organizational Leadership. Also, received a certificate in Theology from ITC (Turner Seminary), Atlanta, GA. Was ordained while serving at Bethel AME Church, Darlington, SC (AME 7 th District) of South Carolina. Associate minister of Bethel AME church for many years. Joined Salem Baptist after relocation from Delran, NJ. Currently an associate minister for Salem Baptist, Darlington, SC.
Attended Liberty University. Upon graduation received undergraduate degree (BS) in Religion/Christian Counseling. Pursuing graduate studies, Masters in Divinity (MDiv) Christian Counseling with emphasis on Chaplaincy at Liberty University. This process will provide what is
necessary to counsel, mentor and advise young women in crisis.
Also, as an associate pastor, continuing studies will enhance her abilities and skills that will better equip her to better assist her pastor in counseling and teaching the Word of God.
Rev. Aquilla Kaye Best is married to David L. Best. They have four boys and twelve grands. Live in a rural farm area in the coastal area of South Carolina. They relocated from Delran, NJ (southern part) approximate 5 years ago after David’s retirement.
Rev. Best enjoys fishing with grands, gardening and enjoys the beach and traveling with her family. Resides in a rural farm area, enjoys listening to music, relaxing in her rocking chair, while listening to the frogs and crickets after many years of working.