Reverend Herbert W. Beard is a native of Bamberg, South Carolina. He is the son of the late George W. Beard and Mary L. Williams Beard. At an early age he accepted Jesus Christ at Gethsemane Baptist Church, Bamberg, SC,where he was baptized at the age of 12. He graduated for Bamberg Ehrhardt High in 1983. After graduation, he attended and completed Claflin University in Orangeburg, SC. He received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History with a Minor in Sociology.
After graduating from Claflin University, Rev. Beard relocated to Charleston, SC in 1987, where he united with Ferry Field Baptist Church, Johns Island, SC under the late Reverend Jeronica Gadsden, Sr. He was employed with the Charleston County Police Department and subsequently the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office where he was promoted to the rank of Captain prior to retiring in 2013. Upon his retirement, Rev. Beard completed his Master’s Degree in “Christian Leadership” from Liberty University, Lynchburg, Virginia in May of 2013.
After marrying his wife, Allison Hill Beard of Augusta, Georgia, they joined Royal Missionary Baptist Church in 2000. While at Royal, he was ordained a Deacon in September of 2002, and was licensed as a Minister in May of 2007. In 2015, Rev. Beard received his Ordination as an Ordained Reverend while under the leadership of Reverend Dr. Isaac J. Holt, Jr. and the Royal Missionary Baptist Church family. He served in numerous ministries and was the Executive Assistant to Pastor Holt before being selected on July 30, 2018 as the sixth pastor of Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church located in the Historic District of Charleston, South Carolina, 684 Rutledge Avenue.
Rev. Beard and his wife Allison H. Beard have enjoyed the blessings of God with their children Tamara L. Beard, Mary V. and Maria A. Beard (twins), Morgan E. Beard. They have two grandchildren (Aminah Prince and Akyl L. J Moore).
Rev. Beard is a preacher who loves Christ, his family, his church and his community. His favorite scripture is “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)
