“THE STAR IS RISING”

In 1914, a congregation assembled, inspired by the vision and faith of Rev. George Britton, for the sole purpose of establishing a spirit-filled form of expression through which the worship of God and service to mankind could coexist. That group, namely Rev. George Britton, Bro. Nathan Bell, Sis. Mary Bell, Bro. Jessie Willis, Bro. Albert Phillips, Sis. Priscilla Phillips, and Bro. W. Gusmon, took the name of Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church and were directed by the Holy Spirit to call Rev. C. H. Jones as its first pastor. Rising Star blossomed, becoming what it continues to be today, a living vessel through which faith is expressed and hope is extended to mankind. By God’s grace, souls were saved and the congregation grew. Rising Star moved quickly to enhance its spiritual infrastructure for Christian education and outreach, establishing a Sunday School and Home Mission Society and Sewing Circle. In 1919, continued growth of the body inspired church leadership to establish a choir and Baptist Young People’s Union. The church was also blessed with its first sanctuary under the leadership of Rev. I.S. Ambrose. Rev. White was called to pastor the church in 1925, and Rising Star continued to create disciples, leading to the need for and construction of the first church hall during his tenure. God continued to bless Rising Star both spiritually and in numbers under the pastoral leadership of Rev. Bazarone and subsequently Rev. Simmons, who served for twelve years. Under their direction, Rising Star’s sanctuary was remodeled, and a parsonage, cafeteria, and church offices were added. In 1950, Rev. D.N. Benford, Sr. was called to be pastor of Rising Star. Under his leadership the church grew to new heights. Outreach and spiritual development became the key emphasis, and many ministries were added to the church, including: a Youth Ministry, Radio Ministry, Transportation Ministry, Bible Band and Vacation Bible School. These programs were all focused on accelerating the spiritual development of members and the community alike. In 1952 the church experienced tragedy when a fire burned the sanctuary and its adjoining buildings to the ground. But God, by His grace, saw fit to strengthen the congregation and favored the flock to erect a building campus, which today consists of a sanctuary for worship, a fellowship hall and two annexes on the very spot the ashes lay.