Dr. Patrick T. Carter, Sr., grew up in a loving but firm Christian home. Dr. Carter is a proud eight (8) year veteran of the US Navy, having served from 1987-1996. Pastor Carter and his loving wife of 31 years, Sis. Tara L. Carter are the loving parents of Tiffany, Patricia Carter, Patrick Carter, Jr., and have one granddaughter, Ryleigh McCoy.

In 2003, the South Atlantic Conference extended a call to Pastor Carter and family. Their first pastoral district was in Anderson and Greenwood, SC. However, God was not finished. In 2008, the South Atlantic Conference extended a call for Pastor Carter and family to become part of the dynamic, charismatic, enthusiastic, and loving congregation of the West End SDA Church!

In 2010, Dr. Carter and family were extended a call to serve as the South Atlantic Conference youth and young adult ministry director, having served in this capacity for 6 wonderful years. It was during this time, in 2014, that the South Atlantic camp ministries received the North American Division ‘Outstanding Camp of the Year’ award.

Dr. Carter is a believer in community empowerment. Dr. Carter spearheaded a job fair, hosted at our campground in Orangeburg, SC in 2013 and 2014. With the wonderful assistance of conference administration, Pastor Carter partnered with various business entities in South Carolina, including DSS, Edisto Community, McDonalds, Waffle House, and others to host a job fair. In 2 years, the number of businesses increased from 20 in the first year, to nearly 50 in the second year. Many in that community were blessed, and we were blessed to provide job opportunities to many in the Orangeburg and surrounding communities, to God be the glory!

Dr. Carter and family in 2016 were blessedly assigned to the enthusiastic and spirit filled Emmanuel SDA Church in Lithonia, Ga. During this time, the Carter family was blessed to see this church grow and move by God’s amazing grace.

In 2022, Dr. Carter and family have now been entrusted by heaven and through the leadership of the South Atlantic Conference, to serve the members of Holy Ghost headquarters, the West End SDA Church!

Pastor Carter’s motto is found in the Pathfinder pledge: By the grace of God, I will be pure, and kind, and true. I will keep the Pathfinder Law. I will be a servant of God and a friend to man. He also lives by the mantra, “It is easier to change your behavior in advance, than to change your reputation afterwards”. ~Author Unknown