Founder of Bible Way Church Dies

(Columbia) - The founder of the Bible Way Church of Atlas Road has passed away.Bishop Andrew Jackson died Wednesday morning. Jackson started the Richland County church. He was also the father of State Senator Darrell Jackson.On Wednesday, those close to Bishop Jackson reflected on the man who they call the foundation of their church.“Bishop Jackson was a no-nonsense type of guy,” said Associate Pastor Alvah Lawson. “But you could talk to him and he would be very truthful with you. You always knew where he stood.”Jackson opened the doors to the Bible Way Church on Atlas Road in 1963 with just 13 families as members. Today, the mega-church is a place of worship for more than 9,000 people. Darrell Jackson took over as Senior Pastor in 1996, but church officials say Bishop Jackson remained involved. “Nobody would ever think this place would be impacted the way it has been,” said Lawson.Members say Jackson was an inspiration and a strong influence on community improvement projects. In 1993, the church dedicated the Andrew C. Jackson Wellness Center in his name, after his efforts to promote physical and mental health. Bible Way Associate Pastor Alva Lawson says Jackson was 78 years old when he died. He says Jackson had been suffering from health problems for some time. His wife, five children and eight grand children survive him.No funeral arrangements have been announced.