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Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church
On March 15, 1925, a few faithful believers gathered together in a small building on Terry Row Street and organized The Primitive Baptist Church. The Reverend Earnest Lane was called and accepted the pastorate and immediately began to work diligently. The church began to grow rapidly. In 1927, the church purchased property and marched to her present location singing When the Saints Go Marching In. Upon entrance into the new building, the churched was renamed The Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church. Rev.Lane led the congregation untiringly until his health failed in 1929.
From early 1930 through 1932, the church experienced a great degree of adversity. It was an uphill journey, as progress slowed dramatically. In 1938, Reverend A.N. Star was called and accepted the pastorate of Rising Star. Many felt that his motto must have been "I shall not be moved, except by the permission of God". Rev. Star came with a vision. Under his leadership, the congregation grew by leaps and bounds-spiritually and numerically.
The Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church has endured many storms since her inception. She has experienced financial struggles, leadership transitions and being completely destroyed by fire. Truly, the words of John Newton, "Through many dangers toils and snares, I have already come", present a portrait of Rising Star. And certainly the words, "but grace" in the same song apply to her experience also. Sometimes discouraged, yet encouraged because grace, and her faith in God sustained her. The greater the difficulty, the more determined the people of God became to stand together in unity. The congregation vowed to be like a tree planted by the water-We shall not be moved.
With a made up mind to work, many goals were set and achieved. The building was re-built. A nursery was opened. The kitchen was remodeled and new appliances were installed. The church also purchased additional property and a station wagon to provide transportation for many to attend church services. Because of a growing congregation, the task of building a larger facility was undertaken. Today, the building includes a sanctuary with a seating capacity of 500, classrooms and lounges. The former sanctuary is now the W.C. Anderson Fellowship Hall and is used to hold classes, seminars, banquets, plays, meetings, youth activities, prayer and consecration and an array of other worship services and events.
Since the church’s inception, she has been led by the following pastors; Rev. Earnest Lane, Rev. John Dodd, Rev. W.L. Brown, Rev. J.W. Beatty, Rev. A.L. King, Rev. A.N. Star, Rev. R.E. Rollerson, Rev. Chester Brookins, Rev. Griffin Moore, Rev. F.U. Howard, Rev. Lorenzo Dunford, Sr. and Rev. Lugene Spurlock, Jr.. In 2003, Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church called her current pastor, Rev. G. Christopher Bates. At age 33 when called, it is believed that Pastor Bates is the youngest pastor in the church’s history. This dynamic man of God is a Spirit-led visionary whom God has been using in an awesome manner as he preaches, teaches and leads a church with such rich history. Under the leadership of Pastor Bates, the church has made advancements through the acquisition and use of modern technology. And with the introduction of his vision entitled, Project Nehemiah; Making it Right, the congregation has given generously and worked diligently to make needed improvements and beautify the properties which the Lord has allowed her to be stewards over.
With deep humility and sincere faith in God, this congregation looks ahead to many years of fruitful service, and is grateful for the privilege to serve God and humanity. Please know that regardless of race, background or nationality, you are cordially invited to join us in worship. And, if you are seeking a church home, we would be delighted to have you as a part of our church family. Please see our contact page if you would like more information concerning our fellowship, and our prayer request page if you are in need of prayer. To God be glory for what He is doing in and for the Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church.
On March 15, 1925, a few faithful believers gathered together in a small building on Terry Row Street and organized The Primitive Baptist Church. The Reverend Earnest Lane was called and accepted the pastorate and immediately began to work diligently. The church began to grow rapidly. In 1927, the church purchased property and marched to her present location singing When the Saints Go Marching In. Upon entrance into the new building, the churched was renamed The Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church. Rev.Lane led the congregation untiringly until his health failed in 1929.
From early 1930 through 1932, the church experienced a great degree of adversity. It was an uphill journey, as progress slowed dramatically. In 1938, Reverend A.N. Star was called and accepted the pastorate of Rising Star. Many felt that his motto must have been "I shall not be moved, except by the permission of God". Rev. Star came with a vision. Under his leadership, the congregation grew by leaps and bounds-spiritually and numerically.
The Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church has endured many storms since her inception. She has experienced financial struggles, leadership transitions and being completely destroyed by fire. Truly, the words of John Newton, "Through many dangers toils and snares, I have already come", present a portrait of Rising Star. And certainly the words, "but grace" in the same song apply to her experience also. Sometimes discouraged, yet encouraged because grace, and her faith in God sustained her. The greater the difficulty, the more determined the people of God became to stand together in unity. The congregation vowed to be like a tree planted by the water-We shall not be moved.
With a made up mind to work, many goals were set and achieved. The building was re-built. A nursery was opened. The kitchen was remodeled and new appliances were installed. The church also purchased additional property and a station wagon to provide transportation for many to attend church services. Because of a growing congregation, the task of building a larger facility was undertaken. Today, the building includes a sanctuary with a seating capacity of 500, classrooms and lounges. The former sanctuary is now the W.C. Anderson Fellowship Hall and is used to hold classes, seminars, banquets, plays, meetings, youth activities, prayer and consecration and an array of other worship services and events.
Since the church’s inception, she has been led by the following pastors; Rev. Earnest Lane, Rev. John Dodd, Rev. W.L. Brown, Rev. J.W. Beatty, Rev. A.L. King, Rev. A.N. Star, Rev. R.E. Rollerson, Rev. Chester Brookins, Rev. Griffin Moore, Rev. F.U. Howard, Rev. Lorenzo Dunford, Sr. and Rev. Lugene Spurlock, Jr.. In 2003, Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church called her current pastor, Rev. G. Christopher Bates. At age 33 when called, it is believed that Pastor Bates is the youngest pastor in the church’s history. This dynamic man of God is a Spirit-led visionary whom God has been using in an awesome manner as he preaches, teaches and leads a church with such rich history. Under the leadership of Pastor Bates, the church has made advancements through the acquisition and use of modern technology. And with the introduction of his vision entitled, Project Nehemiah; Making it Right, the congregation has given generously and worked diligently to make needed improvements and beautify the properties which the Lord has allowed her to be stewards over.
With deep humility and sincere faith in God, this congregation looks ahead to many years of fruitful service, and is grateful for the privilege to serve God and humanity. Please know that regardless of race, background or nationality, you are cordially invited to join us in worship. And, if you are seeking a church home, we would be delighted to have you as a part of our church family. Please see our contact page if you would like more information concerning our fellowship, and our prayer request page if you are in need of prayer. To God be glory for what He is doing in and for the Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church.
