Reverend Clarence E. McLaughlin is a native of Danville, Virginia.  He was born August 19th to the late Thomas and Helen Marie McLaughlin, Sr.  

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Reverend McLaughlin received his education in Pittsylvania County and Danville Public School Systems.  In 1997, he received his Bachelor and his Master's degrees from Jacksonville Theological Seminary in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1999.

 

Reverend McLaughlin acknowledged the call to preach in 1991.  He was licensed to preach in June 1991 by the Bethel Baptist Church where Reverend Doctor Thomas D. Johnson, Sr. served as pastor.  He was ordained in August of 1995 by the Cherrystone Missionary Baptist Association, Inc.

 

 Reverend McLaughlin has served Cherrystone Missionary Baptist Association, Inc. in many ways: President of District Union, Vice President of the Division of Clergy and the Board of Directors.  He has served as Vice Moderator and as Moderator.

 

In August 1995, Reverend McLaughlin accepted the challenge as Pastor of the Bellevue Missionary Baptist Church, which was located on 109 Lennox Court, Danville, Virginia.  Later, this church relocated to 3280 Mount Cross Road.  The church membership experienced spiritual growth and a deeper understanding.

 

On July 26, 2009, Reverend Clarence McLaughlin was called to pastor the Bethel Baptist Church at 6620 Old Richmond Rd, Danville, Virginia.  Under his leadership, more than thirty-five have joined the church.  Many advances have been made to modernize the building.  A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was held on August 7, 2010 to celebrate the new building annex which was dedicated on Sunday, August 8, 2010.  Bethel continues to provide community out-reach through ministries lead by Reverend McLaughlin.

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He has a loving, supportive, and devoted wife, First Lady Carol McLaughlin.

They are the proud and loving parents of two daughters Calierya and Camille. 

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