For over 30 years the Rev. Douglas Slaughter has not only made an impact at his church but also within his community and due to his efforts, he was presented the highest honor in the state.
Slaughter was awarded the Order of the Palmetto April 28 during a surprise ceremony at Second Baptist Church. Slaughter, who was the church's pastor for 30 years, did many things for the community such as help area students, develop programs to help youth and served on various community boards in the city.
“I am used to the key of the city, but to be part of the Order of Palmetto is just such an honor, and I give the glory of God because I was doing what God asked me to do,” he said.
Slaughter retired from his role as pastor in December 2023.
“I think I got the Order of the Palmetto, not because I don’t preach great sermons, but I try to make life better for people and I am excited to be part of the group that has done that in Aiken," he said.
S.C. Reps. Bill Taylor and Bill Clyburn, S.C. Senator Tom Young and Aiken City Councilwoman Leslie Price were all in attendance for the presentation.
The Order of the Palmetto is the highest civilian honor given to a South Carolina resident. It was established in 1971 by Gov. John C. West. The award is given to individuals for a lifetime of extraordinary achievement, service, contributions on a national or statewide scale and those who have given their time selflessly.
Slaughter said he was humbled because all his life he has done what he believed God wanted him to do .
“I always had a vision for ministry, which was bigger than what we could do, and God made it work,” he said.
"I always wanted to make a difference in people’s lives but I never knew it would be on this scale," he added.
Taylor said they were there on behalf of S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster, and Slaughters’ award was made possible by local pastors and community members.
“What we are about to do is very special because very few receive this honor in the state,” he said. “It is the highest honor that can be bestowed in South Carolina. It’s well deserved."
Taylor said Slaughter has done so much for his community and for South Carolina.
“In this case, [the award goes] to a man who has contributed not only to this church and this community, but the impact has been statewide,” Taylor said.
Robbie Yarborough, who serves as the executive pastor of Millbrook Baptist Church, said Slaughter deserved the award because Slaughter worked for the good of the community.
“This a great thing for Aiken because they know that there’s a man who pulled into and really made a difference," he said. “He didn’t just sit on the sidelines — he got involved.”
