UNION BAPTIST CHURCH -NORTH CHARLESTON, SC
We are the Church that sits beside the road where Everybody is Somebody and GOD is All
UBC Ministry Team
The Reverend Doctor Elden Heyward was born on Edisto Island, SC, where he began his education at Jane Edwards Elementary School. He continued his studies at Baptist Hill High School on Younges Island, SC, before completing his education at Brooklyn Technical High School in Brooklyn, NY. Following high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, attending Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) School in Seattle, WA, and serving as an instructor at Fort Gordon in Augusta, GA. As a distinguished Vietnam War veteran, The Rev. Heyward honorably served his country until his discharge. On October 23, 1971, The Reverend Heyward married Quintella Darlene Smalls, the love of his life. For over 53 years, they have faithfully walked together in the Lord's favor, raising their family, which includes their children-Delwyn, Christian, and Quincy-and six beloved grandchildren. From 1979 to 1982, The Rev. Heyward served as part of the Deacons Ministry at Lowly Nazarene Baptist Church in the Bronx, NY. He later became Chairman of the Deacons Ministry at Praise Temple Baptist Church, also in the Bronx, from 1982 to 1988. After relocating to South Carolina, he joined the Deacons Ministry at Emmanuel Baptist Church on James Island, serving from 1989 to 1992. In 1992, he moved to Ferry Field Baptist Church on Johns Island, SC, where he received his calling into ministry. He delivered his initial sermon in April 1995 and was ordained as a The Reverend later that year. In 1996, he graduated as Class President from Morris College Extension in North Charleston, SC. In 1997, The Rev. Heyward was called to pastor Union Baptist Church in North Charleston, SC. He furthered his education by earning a Bachelor of Arts and a Master's degree in Christian Education in 2003. In 2004, he completed his Ph.D. in Christian Education from Jacksonville Theological Seminary in Jacksonville, Florida. In 2023, The Reverend Dr. Heyward authored his first book, Learning to Love God. That same year, in October, he was selected to serve as Chairman of the Board for the Charleston County Missionary Baptist Association, where he continues to demonstrate his love for and service to the people of his generation. The Reverend Dr. Elden Heyward is a devoted son, a caring brother, a loving husband, and a proud father. Above all, he is a dedicated servant of God, committed to walking faithfully in his calling.
Reverend Debra L. Salley-Stevens is a dedicated preacher, teacher, and communicator whose unwavering commitment to serving God's people is a testament to her love, humility, and faith. With over 20 years of ministry experience, she has devoted her life to teaching and preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ, inspiring others to embrace their faith boldly. As a servant leader at Union Baptist Church, Rev. Stevens has a profound spiritual impact through her roles as an Associate Minister and Sunday School Teacher. Her exceptional ability to communicate God's Word reflects her deep commitment, dedication, and leadership, which she balanced with a distinguished 35-year career as a Customer Service Supervisor at the United States Postal Service. Now that she is fully retired, she looks forward to dedicating even more time to her ministry and service. Her Achievements: • Licensed in 2002 at Union Baptist Church in North Charleston, SC, under the leadership of her pastor Rev. Dr. Elden Heyward. • Graduated in 2004 from Morris College Seminary, Charleston Extension, with a certification in Ministerial studies. *Messenger Of The Word* • Achieved Magna Cum Laude honors in advanced theology international Seminary in Plymouth, Florida, in 2015. • Ordained by the Charleston County Missionary Baptist Association in 2016. • Served as mentor and spiritual leader, inspiring others through her teaching, preaching and leadership. • Actively involved in multiple state and local ministry organizations, as a member of the Women's Baptist E&M Convention of South Carolina Spiritual Life Committee and the Charleston County Missionary Baptist Association Women's Auxiliary, Women's Clergy President. • As chairperson she is the leader of the Deacon and Deaconess Appreciation. Her Inspiration: Reverend Stevens draws strength from her faith and the unwavering support of her family. Motivated by the love of her husband, Dwayne Stevens, Sr., her three sons, daughter-in-law, and her cherished grandchildren, her life's mission is anchored in the scriptures. "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord." -1 Corinthians 15:58 "And we know that all things work together for the good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." -Romans 8:28