is the Pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church of Woodford, located in North, South Carolina. He joins Bethlehem from Second Nazareth Baptist Church in Columbia, SC, where he served under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Johnny Ray Noble.

Ordained in 2013, Rev. Taylor began his ministerial journey as Youth Pastor, where he actively taught in Children’s Church and played a vital role in supporting youth ministries including the Youth and Young Adult Choirs, the Youth Praise and Dance Ministry, and the Youth Educational Academy. As part of the Christian Education ministry, he also taught Bible Study and ministered to the sick and shut-in through scripture, song, and the Lord’s Supper.

Rev. Taylor received his call to preach at the age of 14 and answered that call at 16. His spiritual foundation was laid at Wayside Baptist Church in Brooklyn, New York, under the late Rev. Dr. Joe L. Parker. The middle of 12 siblings, Rev, Taylor was reared in a household of faith. His mother, the late Deaconess Ethelene Taylor, whom he loves dearly was the backbone of who he is today.

A product of the Brooklyn public school system, Rev. Taylor was both academically and athletically gifted competing in Track and Field, Handball, and Swimming. He earned his high school diploma in 2007 and later graduated from Benedict College in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a minor in English. While at Benedict, he was an Honors student, debate team member, and participated in multiple performance groups including the Gospel and Concert Choirs, the theater ensemble, and served as a University Teaching Assistant. He also held leadership positions as President of Theta Alpha Kappa (Religion and Philosophy Honor Society) and President of the campus NAACP chapter. He is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. where is an active member of Alpha Phi Lambda Chapter where he serve as the Dean of Education. He is also apart of Gamma Phi Delta Christian Fraternity, Inc.

Rev. Taylor is currently completing his Doctor of Ministry (D. Min) degree at South University in Columbia, SC, having completed all coursework and working toward finishing his dissertation.

With more than 15 years of experience working with children, Rev. Taylor has served in various roles, including nine years at St. Martin de Porres Catholic School—four of which he served as Youth Ministry Director. His passion for youth development has taken him around the world, including a role as Assistant Manager of Youth and Teen Programs aboard Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. Rev. Taylor loves the youth that are challenging to other. He also worked in the NYC charter school (Achievement First) where he not only taught History and PE, but also created an afterschool program for children making it a safe haven. He is also a long-time employee at A.A. Dicks Funeral Home in Columbia, SC for over twelve years and well as Palmetto Funeral Services in Winnsboro serving family in needs in grief.

In 2011, Rev. Taylor launched his own Theater Academy for children, offering instruction in dance, step, acting, and vocal performance. In 2019, he expanded his entrepreneurial reach by founding Taylor’s & Co., a business providing affordable monuments and headstones to grieving families. The company has grown to serve communities across South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, New Jersey, New York City and State, Louisiana, Tennessee and so many others.

Rev. Edward K. Taylor is a humble servant of God devoted preacher, father of one, entrepreneur, mentor, and friend. His life’s mission is rooted in faith, compassion, and service. He lives by the guiding principle of doing all he can, while he can, for as long as he can. He seeks to be a voice of hope and a model of unwavering commitment for his generation. Rev. Taylor often finds strength in the words of one of his favorite hymns:

"Time is filled with swift transitions, naught on earth unmoved can stand; build your hopes on things eternal, hold to God’s unchanging hand." With God’s guidance, he remains steadfast in his calling and determined to fulfill his purpose.