MEET OUR TEAM
Dr. Clarence Adkins
PASTOR
Dr. Clarence Adkins was born and raised in West Virginia. He received his education from Carson Newman University, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Covington Theological Seminary. He served a number of different churches in North and South Carolina for 27 years before coming to Long Branch Baptist Church in 2017. He has been married to his wife Cynthia since 1987. They have two children, Chandler Adkins Horne (Justin) and Carson W. Adkins (Emily) and two grandchildren, Mallie Paige and Ava Lynn. Dr. Adkins favorite scripture is Colossians 3:2. It states, "Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth." In his free time, Dr. Adkins enjoys exploring the outdoors, hunting, and target shooting.
Mr. Wilson Hatcher
MINISTER OF MUSIC
Wilson Hatcher was born and raised in Hampton, SC. He moved from the low country to the upstate to pursue a bachelor's degree in Music Education with a concentration in Vocal/Choral music from Anderson University. While at AU, he felt the call to serve in music ministry as well. Wilson had the opportunity to sing in the Chamber Singers, Concert Choir, AU Choir, and play the piano in the Jazz Band and Piano Ensemble during his 4 years at Anderson University. During his senior year, he began serving as a worship leader and choir director in 2013. After graduating college in 2014, Wilson continued to work part time in music ministry while beginning his first school job teaching elementary music at Pendleton Elementary School. After teaching there for 3 years, in 2017, Wilson moved to Anderson 5 and began teaching middle school chorus at Southwood Academy of the Arts. Then in 2021, Wilson was hired as the high school chorus director at Southwood Academy of the Arts, teaching all the chorus students in Anderson School District 5 from T.L. Hanna and Westside High Schools.
Wilson was called to serve as the Minister of Music at Long Branch Baptist Church in 2024. His favorite verse is John 14:6.
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Mr. Axel Sawyer
STUDENT MINISTER
Mr. Axel Sawyer was raised in Iva, SC. He graduated from Crescent High School in 2018. He received his Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education in 2021 from Southern Wesleyan University. He served as a volunteer youth minister for two years at Flat Rock Baptist Church before coming to Long Branch Baptist Church in 2020. His favorite piece of scripture is Romans 12:9. It states, "Don't just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good." During his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family, playing the piano, singing, and spending time with friends on campus.
Mrs. Donna Bratcher
PIANIST
Mrs. Donna Bratcher was raised in Anderson, SC. She has been married to her husband Robert since 1995, and they have 2 children, Annalyce and Camden. They also have a son-in-law, Chandler, and a grandson, Dansby. Donna is a full time teacher at a local elementary school. Her favorite scripture is I Corinthians 15:58. It states “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” During her free time, she enjoys writing, reading, crafting, and antiquing.
Mrs. Debbie Hawkins
ORGANIST
Mrs. Debbie Hawkins was raised in Anderson, SC. She has served as the organist at Long Branch Baptist Church since 2003. She also serves as the Discipleship Training Director at Long Branch. She has been married to her husband Tim since 1979. They have two children, Charity Hawkins Burdette (Adam) and Brandon Hawkins (Katie). Debbie and Tim also have three grandchildren, Callen Burdette, Isaac Burdette, and Jack Thomas Hawkins. Her favorite scripture is Proverbs 3:5-7 which states “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil”. During her free time, Debbie enjoys reading, researching her ancestry, cooking, and gardening.
Mr. David Brock
CUSTODIAN
Mr. David Brock was raised in Clearwater, FL. He has served as the custodian at Long Branch since 2014. He currently serves on the Host/Hostess Committee and as an usher. Previously, he has served as a deacon. He has been married to his wife Debbie since 1985. His favorite piece of scripture is John 3:16. It states, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." In his free time, David enjoys raising chickens and building chicken coops.
Mrs. Debbie Brock
CUSTODIAN
Mrs. Debbie Brock was raised in Anderson, SC. She has served as the custodian at Long Branch since 2014. She also teaches Sunday School (which she has done since 1987), serves on the Host/Hostess Committee, and serves on the Childrens' Council. Previously, she has been a part of Discipleship Training. She has been married to her husband David since 1985. Her favorites passages of scripture are Psalm 23, Psalm 139, Genesis 1:1, John 3:16, and 1 Corinthians 13. In her free time, Debbie enjoys making jewelry, making floral arrangements, and sewing.