Gary C. Redding will retire March 31 after serving 22 years as pastor of First Baptist Church, North Augusta.
ReddingHe came to the church in 1989, following three pastorates in Florida. He is a native of Griffin, Ga., and received his B.A. degree from Stetson University and his M.Div. and D.Min. degrees from Southern Seminary.
During Redding’s pastorate, the church completed construction projects totaling more than $20 million, including a new worship center and a children’s learning center.
In 1989, Redding established “Business, By The Book,” a monthly outreach to the area’s civic and business community, a ministry that continues today. Two years ago, First Baptist Church established a church plant in Chepen, Peru.
Redding served as president of the National Alumni Association of Southern Seminary in 1999. On the occasion of his 20th anniversary at the church in 2009, Redding was presented The Order of the Palmetto, the highest civilian honor presented by the governor.
His last Sunday at North Augusta will be March 27. A reception will be held from 2-5 p.m. at the North Augusta Municipal Center.
Redding and his wife Carol have two married daughters and five grandchildren. They plan to reside in North Augusta after retirement. Redding said he plans to remain active in pulpit supply, interim pastorates, conference and motivational speaking, and consulting.