Rev. Dr. Donald Lawrence Trent, Sr.

Pastor Trent is a dedicated Pastor with a heart for the gospel and a gift for inspiring others to grow and fulfill their full potential in Jesus the Christ.

Pastor Trent, a native of Cumberland County, Virginia is the son of the late Deacon James and Mary Trent. At the age of seven , he accepted Jesus the Christ as his Lord and Savior and joined Bethlehem Baptist Church, Cumberland, Virginia under the pastorate of the late Rev. S. H. Miller.

He is a product of the Cumberland County Public Schools System. He graduated from Luther P. Jackson High School in June 1965. He entered the United States Army in 1966 and served for two years.

Pastor Trent received his calling from God in 1971. He was licensed and later ordained to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ on October 29, 1972 through his home church. Nine months later on March 18, 1973 he began his professional ministry as the Pastor of Second Union Baptist Church, Goochland, Virginia. On January 1, 2003 he was approved to serve as the Church's first full time Pastor.

God has favored Pastor Trent by allowing tremendous and explosive growth to accompany his ministry. During his initial tenure at Second Union Baptist Church he initiated the formation and reorganization of many choirs and ministries: the Gospel and Children's Choir, the D.L. Trent Choir, the Male Choir, the Inspirational Choir, the Youth and Children in Unity, the Praise Dance Ministry, the Children's Bible Study, the Tutorial Program, the Women's Ministry, and the Boys to Men Ministry.

He established full-time worship services, moving from second and fourth Sunday services to every Sunday services. Also, weekly Prayer and Bible Study, Vacation Bible School, Pre-Worship Service Testimonial Period, Spring Revival and Youth Sunday were instituted.

The dynamic impact of this church is felt through its many ministries throughout the community: Outreach to Sinners, Inactive Members, Sick and Home Visitation, Hospital and Nursing Centers Visitation, and Incarcerated Visitation.

Through his leadership, Second Union Baptist Church has witnessed impressive spiritual and physical growth. He spearheaded several building projects including the construction of the Fellowship Hall, Pastor's Study Library, men and ladies restrooms, administrative office, janitorial room, classrooms, and the installation of surveillance and security system.

Modification of the front porch and erection of the marquee in the church's front yard, additional sidewalks, paving of the parking lot, and construction of a storage building were additional major projects completed. Additional land adjoining the church's existing property was acquired.

Pastor Trent's undergraduate work was completed at Richmond Virginia Seminary in May 1992, where he received his Bachelor of Arts Degree. He continued his biblical studies by obtaining advanced degrees, Master of Divinity Degree and Doctor of Divinity from the Faith International Bible College, Richmond, VA. Pastor Trent has also been blessed to become an adjunct professor at the Faith International Bible College, conducting services on the third Sunday of each month.

As the Under-Shepherd of Second Union Baptist Church, Pastor Trent is elated to have licensed nine persons into the Gospel ministry, namely Rev. Paul Pace, Rev. Donald Trent II, Rev. Stevie Trent,, Sr., Rev. Rosa Rollins, Rev. Cynthia Allen, Rev. Robert Payne, Sr., Rev. Kim Ware, Rev. George Lewis, and Minister James Craighead, Jr., ordained six Deacons and appointed seven trustees. Pastor Trent continues to meet the growing needs of his congregation with a membership, which exceeds more than 325 people through Godly inspired sermons, workshops and visitations.

Pastor Trent currently serves a a member of the Educational Committee and the Sick and Nominating Committees of the Baptist Minister's Conference of Goochland and Vicinity and a member of the Beulah Baptist Sunday School Convention. He is the past President of the Baptist Minister's Conference of Goochland and Vicinity and the Beulah Baptist Sunday School Convention, past Treasurer of the Slate River Baptist District Association, past Financial Secretary of the Baptist Minister's Conference of Goochland and Vicinity. Additionally, Pastor Trent was honored by the Goochland County Branch NAACP at its annual Freedom Fund Banquet on September 18, 2009 for his outstanding service to the community. He is involved in numerous other endeavors to advance the Kingdom of our Savior.

A devoted family man, Pastor Trent is married to Gloria Morris Trent from his hometown of Cumberland, Virginia. Together they have three children, Rev. Donald Trent II (Marquitta), Montessa Hilliard (Michael), and Rev. Stevie Trent, Sr. (Nicole) and seven grandchildren.

But, even more significant than Pastor Trent's many pastoral accomplishments and academic credentials , is his genuine love for the people of God. He is dedicated to spreading the good news of the Gospel to everyone he meets as he proclaims the Word of God.