Pastoral Staff

Ed Bowen - Sr. Pastor

Pastor Bowen was born in Columbia, SC and reared in the little town of Turbeville. He was saved at the age of 22 and surrendered his life to serve the Lord in the ministry several years later. In October 1967, he was called to the pastorate at Cherryvale Baptist Church, where he and his wife, Margaret, continue to serve today. From day one, Brother Ed was determined that Cherryvale would be a church that welcomed everyone, without regard to race, culture, or denominational background. Not an easy decision at that time, but one greatly blessed by God. To this day, Cherryvale Baptist Church is known as “The Church Where Everyone Is Welcome”. The Bowen’s have been blessed with five children, 15 grandchildren, and 9 great grandchildren.

Steven Dawson - Associate Pastor

Brother Steve was born and raised in Warrenton, GA. In 1992, he joined the United States Air Force for what became a 26 year career. Upon transferring to Shaw AFB in Sumter, Steven was invited to Cherryvale Baptist Church where he heard the Gospel and was saved at age 22. While at Cherryvale, he met his wife, Doris, “Mrs. Dee”. They were married in 1997 and led the Teen Ministry for the next 10 years.  It was during this time that they recognized God’s call to the ministry. 

During his time in the Air Force, Brother Steve continued to prepare for the ministry. He received his Master's degree in Biblical Studies from Carolina University.  He has actively served as an Assistant Pastor at Harbor Baptist Church in Hampton, Virginia, the adult Sunday School teacher and treasurer at Victory Baptist Church in South Korea, and the adult Sunday School teacher at Liberty Baptist Tabernacle in Rapid City, South Dakota.  Upon retirement in 2018, Brother Steve and his family returned to Sumter to assist in the ministry at Cherryvale Baptist Church. Brother Steve and Mrs. Dee have been blessed with four wonderful children, Danielle, Darius, Darci and Dominic.

Michael Keenan - Associate Pastor

Originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Brother Mike served 4 Years in the Air Force which brought him to Shaw AFB in Sumter. A friend invited Mike to Cherryvale Baptist Church, where he heard the Gospel and was saved in April, 2002. Soon after, Mike sensed God’s call into the ministry. After completing a Bible Institute curriculum through BIMI, Brother Mike has continued to serve in various ministries at Cherryvale including Kids Sunday School, Music, Jail Ministry and Preaching the Word of God. Mike currently works full time as a Desktop Analyst at Prisma Health Tuomey, He and his daughters, Juliet and Jenna, live in Sumter. His goal is to faithfully serve the Lord in whatever capacity He leads.

Habakuk 3:19: The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places.