Our Pastor

Dr. Don L. Sanford, Sr. serves as pastor of Greater St. James Baptist Church in Alton, Illinois. Guided by 1 Timothy 3:4–5, he considers his ministry to begin at home, embracing the responsibility of caring for both his family and his church family.

Pastor Sanford and his wife, Cheryl J. Sanford, have shared 56 years of marriage. They are the proud parents of four children: their son Don Jr. (deceased) and three daughters, Donnalynn Beckwith, RaChelle Jones (deceased), and Casandra Davis. Their family includes a beloved host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Educated in the public school systems of Eagle Lake, Texas, and East St. Louis, Illinois, Pastor Sanford has continued a lifelong pursuit of learning. His academic achievements include an Associate of Applied Science in Logistics, a Bachelor of Applied Science in Human Resources, a Doctor of Divinity, and Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Education.

His commitment to service extends beyond the pulpit. Pastor Sanford is a retired U.S. Air Force veteran with 22 years of military service. He also served for 20 years with the Illinois Department of Corrections as a Senior Chaplain and Hostage Negotiator. His professional experience includes certified counseling in family, marriage, and substance abuse; serving as an educator and football coach in District 201; and teaching as an adjunct professor at Lincoln College in Illinois.

Throughout his ministry, Pastor Sanford has conducted, facilitated, and taught Christian education seminars, Bible studies, and certified courses at the state and national levels. He brings a wealth of experience and a heart for helping others grow in their understanding of God’s Word.

Although he has received numerous military and civilian honors, Pastor Sanford considers his greatest distinction to be his “Master’s degree”—being born again at the age of eight and belonging to Jesus Christ. That decision marked the beginning of a lifelong walk of faith through both blessings and challenges. He credits the Lord with sustaining him and his family, and he remains grateful for every opportunity God has given him to encourage, teach, and serve others.