The Baptist Women Give $25,000 for Annual Fall Harvest Rally

Mrs. Hilda D. Gadsden, president of the Woman's Baptist Educational and Missionary Convention of South Carolina (WBEMCSC), presented President Leroy Staggers with a $25,000 check for the institution's annual Fall Harvest Rally.

Elected in 2018 as the 16th president of the WBEMCSC, Mrs. Gadsden has been a loyal advocate and supporter of Morris College for over 40 years. "My family and I truly have a deep love for Morris College. We [my husband and I] brought our children to the campus when they were young. I have two children that are alumni and two great-grandchildren that plan to attend the college," she said.

In her role as president of WBEMCSC, Mrs. Gadsden oversees 45 counties and 70 associations. However, she knows that she can't do the work alone. "I am so grateful for all of the women across the state that work with me and support what we do. I also know that I stand on the shoulders of previous presidents. I carry on their legacy," she said. As president, she also serves concurrently as a member of the Morris College Board of Trustees.

In addition to her work with the WBEMCSC, Mrs. Gadsden is also a retired social worker. "I've always had a love for people," she said. "You have to treat people the way you want to be treated and, as a leader, make people feel important." Mrs. Gadsden finds strength in Scripture, particularly Psalm 23 and 2 Timothy 1:7 ("For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind").

Mrs. Gadsden is married to Rev. Mack Gadsden, pastor of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in North Charleston, SC. They are the parents of 3 children, 8 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren.

WBEMCSC was organized in Columbia, SC on April 11, 1888, at Zion Baptist Church. The purpose of the Convention is to promote the cause of Christ in South Carolina through Christian Education and Missionary Work, evangelize their communities, and enrich lives through education by supporting Morris College and Benedict College.